MCK Declares State of Emergency, effective immediately

12/21/2021

The Commissioner of Public Safety, in consultation with Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Executive Director Onerahtokha Marquis and Assistant Grand Chief Tonya Perron, wish to inform the community that, in accordance with Section 10 of the Kahnawà:ke Emergency Preparedness Law, a State of Emergency has been declared by Decree, effective immediately.

The decision was made based on a recommendation from the Public Safety Commissioner, considering the rapidly changing situation in the community.

In accordance with the Kahnawà:ke Emergency Preparedness Law, the Decree will be in place for thirty (30) days, and can be renewed as required. The Public Safety Commissioner, in conjunction with the Public Safety Commission, will form a new COVID-19 Task Force comprised of subject matter experts who can assist with mitigation of the pandemic response during this new state of emergency.

“Today’s decision was not taken lightly,” stated Public Safety Commissioner Lloyd Phillips. “The City of Montreal has just declared a state of emergency, and there is a grave danger that the medical system could be overwhelmed in the next few days.”

The Declaration requires ratification by the Ratitsénhaienhs of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke within three (3) days, so a duly-convened Council meeting for that purpose has been scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Further mitigation plans need to be developed before concrete measures can be enforced.

More information on this situation will be forthcoming.