No charges laid in Housing Fraud case

11/03/2022

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is informing the community that the Quebec Crown Prosecutor has declined to lay charges against a former MCK employee (the Social Housing Administrator) in relation to the fraudulent activities that took place from 2010 to 2018, affecting the MCK Housing Department and its clients.

The MCK would like to thank the Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers, who worked tirelessly and diligently investigating the file. From the beginning, the aim was to ensure that those responsible were held accountable.

Since 2018, the MCK has taken action towards corrective measures in areas that were identified as vulnerable to these types of fraudulent activities, including strategic re-structuring to improve accountability and more efficient programs and services.

From the onset, the MCK has treated this situation with extreme priority and urgency. The investigation had made it difficult to provide timely updates and information to the community, which understandably caused frustration and uncertainty among many in the community. Although today’s announcement is unfortunate, the MCK is relieved that it is now able to shift its focus towards providing improved and more secure services to Kahnawa’kehró:non.

The MCK Executive Director, Ohénton I:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer and Ratsénhaienhs Ryan Montour formally addressed the community at a press conference today at 1pm in greater detail on this matter.

Despite the current evidence not being sufficient “beyond a reasonable doubt,” we do not for a second doubt the pain caused by the greed and selfishness of certain individuals, as well as the MCK’s lack of control mechanisms that allowed for such actions to occur.  

The MCK is grateful for the patience that has been shown as we navigate through these challenges,” said MCK Executive Director Onerahtókha Marquis. “We ask for forgiveness from those who were victims of these cruel acts. We ask that you grant us the opportunity to rebuild the lost trust that we once had.”

The formal address can be watched in its entirety by clicking here.

Community members who have questions specific to housing matters should contact the Housing Unit at 450-638-0500. Those who have questions regarding other questions in regard to this release should contact the Public Relations Unit at 450-632-7500.