Mohawk Council calls for the establishment of an independent oversight mechanism for the CBSA.

On May 26th, 2016, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Grand Chief Abram Benedict submitted a letter to Minister Goodale, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, stressing the need and support for the “establishment of an independent oversight mechanism for the CBSA.” In recent days the Government of Canada has announced that it will be looking for ways that will improve the transparency and increase the public’s confidence with the CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency).

Due to the uniqueness of the community of Akwesasne, community members traveling to and from Cornwall, and/or Kawenohke (Cornwall Island), are required to check in at the Cornwall CBSA Port of Entry, and in many cases multiple times a day. Community members have experienced maltreatment and misconduct from CBSA officers, including unreasonable searches. Any complaints pertaining to the Cornwall Port of entry CBSA have thus far solely gone to CBSA, foreshadowing the need to establish an independent oversight mechanism to ensure compliance, transparency, and to protect people’s basic rights.

Press Secretary to Minister Goodale, Scott Bardsley, stated that this examination of national security issues is a Canada-wide initiative, to discuss any national security issues and to determine whether or not policies and procedures need to be reviewed. Public consultations will be announced in the coming weeks that will provide the opportunity to the public to be heard and to determine what is needed, what makes the most sense. Bardsley stated, “Our government wants to provide this opportunity for public consultation to discuss how effective law enforcement agencies are and their safety, as well as to protect the rights and freedoms of all Canadians. We believe the public must have a cohesive part in this scrutiny.”

For additional information regarding the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne involvement in this process please contact MCA Communications Manager Ashley Tarbell, 613-575-2348 ext. 2212. For any additional information regarding these public consultations please contact Press Secretary to Minister Goodale, Scott Bardsley, 613-998-5681.

ATV: By Ohseraséia:hawi