2-02510

STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE ANDY SCOTT REGARDING KANESATAKE

OTTAWA, ON (October 8, 2004) - Today the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, said that he continues to support efforts for a resolution which will permit the holding of a free and democratic election as soon as possible in Kanesatake. The Government of Canada will continue to recognize the ongoing authority of the current Grand Chief and Band Council of the Mohawks of Kanesatake until the Court seized of this matter renders a decision.

The Band Council has passed a Band Council Resolution on June 29, 2004 postponing the general election to October 9, 2004 or until the conditions in the community allow for a free and democratic election. These issues have been brought before the Federal Court and were discussed in the context of a court-assisted mediation process. Unfortunately, this process recently failed and the matter will now proceed to litigation. The Government of Canada intends to continue to work with the current Band Council pending determination by the Court of this matter.

For more information, please contact:

Diane Laursen
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 994-2044

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