MCK denounces Bill 61 violation of Mohawk rights and environmental standards

06/10/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has sent a letter in opposition to Quebec’s proposed Bill 61, an emergency law being proposed by the Provincial government to restart the Quebec economy due to impacts as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

While the MCK is not opposed to the restarting of the economy, the proposed law allows for the fast tracking of infrastructure projects, by reducing safeguards associated with land takings and environmental authorizations, which will result in a direct violation of Quebec′s duty to consult for projects on Mohawk Territory, including the Mercier Bridge reconstruction project and projects within the Seigneury of Sault St. Louis land grievance lands. 

The law is being tabled this Friday, June 12, 2020, and, if passed, new projects can be added to benefit from this legislation over the next 2 years, and the measures will be in effect for 5 years. 

“Since the Europeans first arrived on our shores, they have forcibly and systematically taken our lands without compensation or consultation, and with no respect for our rights and treaties,” said Ratsénhaienhs Ross Montour. “We have an international seaway running through the heart of what’s left of our Territory that removed our people from the St Lawrence River. We have a major bridge and connecting highways that provide Montreal with a vital artery at the expense of cutting through ours. With this legislation, new projects can move forward with reduced environmental protection and with little or no regard for the impacts to our rights” 

The letter can be read here