The government of Quebec and the City of Oka are calling on the Mohawk chiefs of Kanesatake to “put aside” their differences to resolve urgent issues, including that of the illegal, contaminated and abandoned dump of the company G&R Recyclage.
“Certain files deserve urgent attention from the band council. It is about the health of [résidents de Kanesatake] », writes the Minister responsible for Native Affairs Ian Lafrenière in a letter sent this Wednesday to the seven chiefs of the Kanesatake band council, including The duty got a copy.
Two factions have been clashing for a year within the Mohawk council. Five chefs openly contest the decisions of grand chef Victor Bonspille and his twin sister, chef Valerie Bonspille.
Tensions have increased in recent weeks. Grand Chief Victor Bonspille authorized, on October 25, that the doors of the band council be chained, thereby paralyzing the political life of the community. A provisional injunction lasting ten days forced the removal of the padlocks on Monday.
In his missive, Ian Lafrenière writes that he is aware of the confrontation that is plaguing the democratic life of the community: “Given the disagreements between the members of the Kanesatake band council, it is important for me to continue discussions with the two groups which were formed. »
The Quebec minister also notes that he is relying on Ottawa to resolve conflicts between Mohawk chiefs.
“I therefore invite you to put aside your differences to act on the G&R Recycling issue immediately,” he says.
This case, which has been publicized for years, has dragged on. In 2020, the Quebec Ministry of the Environment revoked its operating permit for the company, which belongs to Mohawk brothers Robert and Gary Gabriel.
Over the years, several shortcomings had been noted on the site, now contaminated and abandoned: storage of materials outside the authorized area, reception of unauthorized materials, such as fine residues, absence of a treatment system water, flow of leachate and blackish water into the environment.
“Leave your quarrels aside”
Minister Ian Lafrenière is not the only one to have reacted to the intensification of tensions between the Kanesatake chiefs. In an email sent to them, the mayor of Oka, Pascal Quevillon, asked to be able to meet all the community leaders.
In communication, what The duty was able to consult, the mayor of the neighboring community in Kanesatake indicates that he is “aware of the division” between elected officials: “I ask you to leave your quarrels aside to meet, everyone together, and find solutions for the good and the health of our respective communities. »
We are talking about G&R recycling files, but also that of “the supply of drinking water for part of the community”, we read. For more than ten years, discussions have taken place between Oka and Kanesatake to supply drinking water to part of the community. These are currently on ice.
“Even if there is discord among some members of your council, act as a responsible adult to find a consensus in order to move forward and work together for your community,” the mayor wrote.
Given the divisions within the band council, the latter refuses a meeting which would bring together only a few Kanesatake chiefs: “Note that the meeting will be held with all 7 members of the band council only. »