MCA May Monthly Meeting

The meeting promptly started at 6:30pm in the district of Tsi Snaihne with Grand Chief Abram Benedict chairing. After their Call to Order, Council Acceptance and a Moment of Silence for those who have passed, the Council Agenda was accepted. Rules of Order were read followed by a presentation on the Trails Initiative and their proposal to up-grade and build new trails on Thompson Island, Kawehnoke and in Tsi Snaihne. Funds for the proposed trails have not yet been secured. A community members asked if it was possible to install a splash pad but the cost would be prohibitive considering most communities installing splash pads already have the infrastructure in place.

Updates were provided on the following;

Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance – AMA/MCA is working in partnership to provide the best possible emergency service to the community of Akwesasne. AMA just received approval from Mountain Lakes Region to attain additional certification for their EMT’s. Three EMTs will have ALS certification by Fall of 2016.

Census Canada – Census Canada has hired 36 community members to conduct their census. The district of Kawehnoke has started with very few refusals. All three districts have started canvassing.

CBSA Vehicle Seizures – MCA has a total of $19,000 dollars worth of fines from CBSA, to recover this MCA would pursue this in court as a projected cost of over 2.1 million dollars. With the current sentiment of court proceeding and their outcome, it would be highly unlikely MCA would recoup the $19,000 dollars from CBSA. Therefore, MCA has decided to put this file to rest. There remains a possibility to negotioate outside of court with CBSA.

MCA Preferential Hiring Policy - Lynn Chaussi, Human Resources presented the history and current use of the MCA Preferential Hiring Policy. MCA policy was updated in 2005 and again in 2015. In 1996, Human Rights of Canada passed a law providing Aboriginal employers to hire in preference over non–Aboriginal candidates, providing both candidates share equal qualities and requirements. Aboriginal status must be provided and a distinction cannot be made between Aboriginal-to-Aboriginal candidates.

Port Divestiture – MCA is moving forward with the co-ownership of the Port and working towards the full potential to a positive and productive venture.

Smart Meters – Quebec Hydro will have Smart Meters on display at the Tsi Snaihne Recreation center. The installation of Smart Meters will provide an more accurate reading for used electricity over the present meter system. Smart Meters will feed information directly to Quebec Hydro’s center.

Business from the Floor; A community member from Kawehnoke made an impassioned statement on the burning of the Akwesasne People’s Fire building. He first questioned the motives of the MCA Council and their recent meeting with District Chief Vince Thompson at the site. MCA Council members voiced their concerns and their shared disappointment to the alleged arson. He disagreed with MCA over the final removal of the building, MCA Council members reminded him as stated in a formal court decision, all charges would be dropped if the building was removed.

District Meetings for July

Kawehno:ke - Ohiarí:ha/June 13 Kawehno:ke Recreation Centre

Tsi Snaihne - Ohiarí:ha/June 8 Tsi Snaihne Rec Centre

Kana:takon - Ohiarí:ha/June 20, Kana:takon Recreation Centre.

Next General Meeting - Ohiarí:ha/June 23, 6:00pm, Kana:takon – Kanonhkwa’tsheri:io Atrium