Latest news with #MohawkCouncilofKanesatake
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Electoral officer defends online voting for Kanesatake election
The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) election season is officially underway, with important dates now outlined, but the plan to introduce online voting has already garnered controversy. A section on the MCK website is now dedicated to providing information on the election, which will be held August 2, with advance polls on July 26 and online voting opening July 27 through election day. The deadline to request a mail-in or mobile voting ballot is July 18. 'The first thing we posted was a timeline of the key dates and steps throughout the process as defined in the Custom Electoral Code,' said Graeme Drew, the election's chief electoral officer, noting some minor adjustments had to be made to account for anticipated holidays. Drew has managed around 80 elections and other votes in Indigenous communities since 2014. He is a proponent of providing an online voting option to community members, even if the electoral code does not outline this as an option. 'Given there's threats of another postal strike or pending disruption to that service, that's the only other way that people living away from the community would be able to cast a ballot, and disenfranchising voters is a very serious issue,' he said, noting that more than half of Kanesatake's members live off the territory, according to available statistics. Even when there is no labour threat, he said he has encountered issues with the reliability of mail-in ballots in the past, although these will continue to be offered. He has emphasized that the inclusion of online voting would be an additive method, not taking away from any of the voting means outlined in the Custom Electoral Code. 'With online voting, I've heard people concerned about it, but I haven't heard anybody give me a good reason why. What's the response to, what about your members that can't come in and vote, and if there's a postal strike, how do they get it? They deserve a chance to cast a ballot just like you do,' said Drew. 'If anyone can give me a real good answer for that, I might revisit it, but it's a pretty hard one to argue.' He said the code is 10 years old and suggested perhaps that's why it doesn't name online voting as an option, but he believes the change would stand up to scrutiny. 'I don't make amendments or procedural adjustments to a code like this unless I'm pretty confident that the rationale for it is sound and solid in the event that someone could challenge it,' he said. There is time to discuss it further, however, he said, noting he'll be back in the community for the nomination period in June, and he's always open to changing course while there's still time. 'There has to be more to it, though, than just that it's (not) in the code because to me, that doesn't provide a reasonable solution for my concern, which is that a lot of members might be disenfranchised from being able to vote.' Multiple likely candidates in the upcoming election have publicly criticized the plan to incorporate online voting despite it not being sanctioned by the Kanesatake Custom Electoral Code. 'Online voting is not a legal option for voting in the 2015 electoral code. Therefore, it is illegal and must be revoked as a method of voting, period,' said Amanda Simon, who has already announced her candidacy. 'This is not responsible governance. This is rewriting the rules mid-game - and it undermines trust, law, and the voice of the people,' she said, dismissing fears of a potential postal strike, which she said 'does not grant anyone legal carte blanche.' She said a failure to uphold the code puts the legitimacy of the election at risk. Victor Bonspille, who was ruled to have vacated his seat by the MCK Ethics Commission but still claims the title of grand chief, expressed a similar sentiment on his social media, urging community members to contact the electoral officer and posting his phone number. 'Some people are against it for whatever reason, but we're not taking anything away from the procedures,' said MCK chief Serge Otsi Simon. He acknowledged that the inclusion of online voting could be the basis of contestation, but said that despite this discomfort he still sides with colleagues on Council that the change is justified. He believes the results would be upheld, he added. 'We have members, yes, that live outside, some in Montreal, some in Quebec. We even have some in Florida, Texas, and Arizona,' he said. He said he's seen late mail-in ballots result in disenfranchised voters in the past. 'It's basically offering people a better choice to exercise their right to have a say in who manages the community,' he said. 'I'm really asking, why would you be against people exercising the right to vote through online voting? Isn't that enhancing the democratic process?' Drew has already heard from some Kanesatake members with concerns relating to online voting and to the election timeline. The election date has already been another major point of contention this cycle, with the code explicitly instructing that elections take place the second Saturday of June, while simultaneously defining a term as four years - the previous election was held July 31, 2021. While Drew has acknowledged this discrepancy, he previously affirmed that he believes it is valid to hold the election according to the four-year guideline, and he said it is nevertheless not possible at this point to hold a June election. 'There's nothing we can really do to unwind the clock,' he said. A voter list is being posted today, May 30, and the notice of nomination period goes up June 11, with that period running from June 25-27. A provisional list of candidates is expected June 29, with a final list to follow on July 4, leaving about four weeks before election day. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
26-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Input sought on housing pilot in Kanesatake
Following an announcement in November that the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) had secured funding for new social housing, community input is being solicited on plans for a pilot project to build the homes with local labour. 'We want them to be part of the process because it helps buy in,' said MCK chief Amy Beauvais, who is on the housing portfolio. 'It helps them be aware of what's going on every step of the way, so we'll have less likelihood of people saying we had no idea. We don't want that. We don't want people feeling like they're left in the dark. We want them to feel like they're right there with us moving this forward.' The meeting takes place tonight, (Friday, May 23), and will include an overview of the project and a workshop. 'It's a pilot project, so we are proposing that we change from the typical stick homes to rammed earth. We will be identifying the benefits of it,' Beauvais said. When the idea was announced, Beauvais explained the material is durable, energy-efficient, and resistant to fire and mold. 'It's a solution that's been needed because of the housing crisis,' said Beauvais. 'Within that housing crisis there's mold issues and other things that the rammed earth is addressing, that's going to help. I think it's a very logical, viable, feasible solution for the community,' said Beauvais. 'I wish we could build more, but it's got to start somewhere, and I'm hoping it'll gain momentum and people will see how amazing these homes actually are going to be for the community.' The plans resulted in the project being moved to a different funding stream meant to support innovation, according to Beauvais, necessitating a feasibility study that is expected to wrap up around September. 'It's unfortunate, but it also gives us more time to prepare and more time for the schooling aspect to be set up too,' Beauvais said. The proposal includes an intention to bring a skills training certificate (AEP) program to the community that could serve to enhance not only the community's housing stock but also its labour force, according to Beauvais. This could prove useful in the long run if the project were to be replicated year after year, she said. The pilot project is expected to see two to three triplexes built, for a total of six to nine units. A location on MCK-managed land has been selected for these, Beauvais said, but she would not elaborate further. 'It won't be out of place,' she said. Prospective tenants may be asked to put in a certain number of hours into the construction. 'That idea was put forth to give the tenant more of a personal connection with where they're going to be living, so it's not just a house, it's a home,' said Beauvais. Tenants will be selected according to a points system, Beauvais said, which is currently being devised. It could include factors such as how many family members there are, how many children under 18 years old, whether there are disabilities, and other criteria. 'I hope that the community sees it for what I see it as. It's more than just a project. It's more than just housing. This is meant to unite our people again. It's meant to give hope, to show that there is a better tomorrow coming.' The meeting takes place at Ratihén:te High School tonight, May 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pizza and beverages will be offered, and families are welcome. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Kanesatake election legit, says electoral officer
The chief electoral officer selected to oversee the upcoming Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) election acknowledged a contradiction in the electoral code but confirmed he believes it is legitimate to abide by a four-year term. 'As far as my position goes, I wouldn't be taking the appointment if I wasn't comfortable with proceeding despite the fact that one provision is not being maintained on the timing,' said Graeme Drew, who is a certified electoral officer with experience managing around 80 elections and other votes for Indigenous communities since 2014. The provision he refers to is the Kanesatake Custom Electoral Code's mandated election date of the second Saturday in June, which equates to June 14 this year. However, the code also defines a term as four years, and the previous election was held on July 31, 2021; at the time, the delay was attributed largely to complications owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MCK has said Council will be dissolved July 31 ahead of an August 2 election. The timing is a crucial question, not least because the code dictates that only a chief who has completed a full term is eligible to run for grand chief. According to Drew, such discrepancies are not unique to the community's code. 'This is not all that uncommon, quite honestly,' said Drew. 'There will be times when there are contradictory rules within an election code. I get asked quite often to review and critique and edit and write sections of codes for nations. When I do that, I try to ensure the dates for the election itself are not so prescriptive that it ties the hands of the electoral officer and the administration.' He said he always provides recommendations for future elections, and adjusting the language around the election date will likely be included in his advice. 'In the case of this here, the term of office is really important in terms of the leadership was elected for four years, and that four years will expire just around the time of when the election date will be,' he said. 'One argument can be made that they earned that right for the four-year term, and another argument can be made that it should have started earlier to make sure the June election date is achieved.' By the time the request for proposals went out, Drew added, it was for all intents and purposes impossible for a June 14 date to be met. 'By then it was too late,' he said. He suggested it would have been a good idea to amend the code since the last election to provide clarity for this year's contest. Amanda Simon, who has announced plans to run in the upcoming election, has been an indefatigable voice in demanding the June election date be met. 'At this point, it is too late to have any other date without breaching the timelines in the code anyway,' said Simon when informed that the electoral officer had weighed in on the election's legitimacy. 'I guess the quorum stacked their deck with lawyers giving their blessing, and now their BC chief electoral officer,' she added, a reference to Drew being based in British Columbia. MCK chief Serge Otsi Simon said Drew was selected for his experience. 'He's been around for quite some time. He has an impressive resume,' said Serge. 'The guy, I think he's very qualified because he also has a background in conflict resolution. I think for this election, we're going to need someone with that kind of background.' Drew will be travelling to Kanesatake next week, where he will meet with Council and MCK staff as he gets started on the task of administering the election. 'I have to earn some respect and trust with the incumbents and previous leaders and people that are running, and hopefully they'll see my intention is good in terms of trying to ensure that it's a fair election,' said Drew. He will be at arm's length from Council during the process, he said, communicating with staff rather than elected officials as he embarks on fulfilling his role, and he is committed to administering the election according to Kanesatake's electoral code, he said. 'I'm like the referee, and that's my rulebook,' he said. Drew suggested he is in favour of the plan for online voting to be used even though it is not included in the methods outlined in the electoral code, calling it an additive method – not taking away any established forms – with many advantages, especially for those who don't live on the territory. 'It's a very effective way to ensure as many people can vote as possible,' he said. Key dates pertaining to the election, such as those pertaining to advance voting and the nomination process, will soon be finalized, said Drew. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Finance questions after long wait in Kanesatake
The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) audited financial statements for the 2023-2024 fiscal year are now available, but the community's finances remain somewhat opaque, even after several months of delays. MCK chief John Canatonquin, the lead on the finance portfolio, said the number that stuck out to him most was the amount of deferred revenue, which climbed from about $12.5 million to nearly $16.7 million. This goes in the liabilities column, meaning it is factored into the balance sheet as debt, for a total debt of $7.8 million, compared to $6.9 million last year. Deferred revenue is money received by the MCK that it did not spend, the lion's share of which comes from ISC funding. 'For me, it's not a debt. We have the money. It's just we didn't spend it,' said Canatonquin. 'Remove the deferred revenue and it's not a debt. We don't have any debt,' he said. Why so much was not spent is not clear, according to Canatonquin. 'Most of it was caused because of the COVID,' he said. 'The people didn't spend the money.' Now it will be necessary to meet with each department to untangle the situation, he said. 'We have to talk to each department to make sure they spend the money, so everything will be good by next year,' he said. However, since this is only being reviewed now, he said, the departmental ambiguities are not expected to be remediated in the audited financial statements for 2024-2025, which are due July 29. 'When we go through to each department and have the money spent accordingly to each department, we should be perfect. We should be good. If it's a deficit, we should be small or a small surplus,' he said. 'For me, what's bothering me now is the deferred revenue, and also the way they were doing it in finance where they go with the global amount instead of going per department. Now they are supposed to switch to follow by department. That way we'll have no problem after that,' he said. It's possible the housing and infrastructure department is in deficit, he said. 'They maybe overspent. I noticed in finance, they see the global amount, okay they have so much money in the global, but they don't go per department. That's the problem. 'You don't have the money, you don't spend it. If you need more money, you go and get it. Get the money and then you spend it. Simple,' he said. Some notable figures in the statements include a $537,570 deficit, compared to a surplus of more than $1 million the year before, and nearly $500,000 in legal fees, more than $200,000 compared to the year before. The Infrastructure Public Works program expenses more than doubled to $870,624, while Crime Prevention went up to $968,494 from $210,160. One outstanding question is the source of an $800,000 cancellation in government funding as compared to $0 the year before, for which Canatonquin did not have an answer readily available. Missing reports In addition to the publicly available financial statements, The Eastern Door has obtained a 'Notification of Reporting Requirements Report' from December 2024, which shows at that time a total of 25 overdue reports across at least eight departments, 24 of those more than six months overdue. The majority of these are attributable to Community Infrastructure, with 13 reports 'deemed unobtainable.' The result? $388,288 of funding at risk, according to the documents. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) would not confirm with The Eastern Door how many reports are outstanding or how much money is at risk, but did provide some clarity on the department's policies. 'All funding agreements include reporting requirements, which are outlined in the terms and conditions of each agreement,' said Jennifer Cooper, spokesperson for ISC. 'The term 'unobtainable' is used to describe the status of any report that is not received by the department within 180 calendar days of its due date. Despite this status, the terms and conditions of the agreement must still be met. When reporting is overdue, ISC may hold back some portion of program funding to recipients until the report is received. 'Each month, written notice is sent to recipients if they have outstanding reports. Held-back funding is released to the recipient after the report is received,' she said. Timelines The First Nations Financial Transparency Act requires a First Nation's financial statements to be submitted to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) within 120 days of the fiscal year, which ends March 31, for a July 29 deadline, but 2019 is the last time the statements were on track. This year, the statements were posted on March 24, 2025, nearly a year after the end of the 2023-2024 fiscal period. In comparison, Kahnawake's financial statements for the same period were posted by ISC on September 4, 2024. There is a delay between ISC's receipt of the documents and their appearance online, however. Along with the audited financial statements, the schedule of remuneration and expenses for MCK chiefs was also published. Canatonquin, Amy Beauvais, Valerie Bonspille, Denise David, Brant Etienne, and Serge Otsi Simon were all paid a salary of $67,649 in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with Victor Bonspille receiving $75,439 in remuneration as grand chief. Beauvais incurred the highest expenses in that period, with $5,737, and Etienne the least – $354. Victor Bonspille's expenses totalled $3,502, according to the document. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
