The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that, during the ceremony to mark the construction phase of the Port of Montréal’s expansion project in Contrecoeur, Quebec, Nitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo and Ross Montour met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In addition, the Nitsénhaienhs were also able to speak briefly with Minister of Transport, Steve MacKinnon.
The rare in-person meeting provided an opportunity for introductory discussions, relationship‑building, and to emphasize Kahnawà:ke’s long term involvement in the port project and insistence on respecting environmental obligations.
“The discussion, though brief, focused Kahnawà:ke’s stance on being part of the conversation with projects flowing through our territory,” said Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “Commitments were made between the two of us to continue the conversation in May when the Iroquois Caucus will be in Ottawa.”
The Nitsénhaienhs spoke with Minister MacKinnon on emphasizing the importance of Kahnawà:ke benefiting financially from the St. Lawrence Seaway, increased maritime transport, beyond procurement, and further details on the ALTO high-speed rail.
“We emphasized the conservation of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding ecosystems and how it must remain a priority as development moves forward,” said Environment Portfolio lead Ross Montour. “Kahnawà:ke has long carried the environmental impacts of industrial activity along the Seaway, in which Canada has generated significantly economically. It is time for Kahnawà:ke to see real economic returns.”
The MCK has been involved in the environmental review of the project for the past several years. While the Port of Montréal’s expansion at Contrecoeur was referred to the Major Project’s Office last fall as a project to be fast tracked as a “nation building project”, the MCK continues to advocate for meaningful protections for Kahnawà:ke’s rights, environment, and future generations.
