Mohawks Assert Right To Have Say In Online Gambling Legislation

Posted: November 25, 2014

Updated: June 4, 2017

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) urges possible reform of online gambling to suit not only Quebec provinces but also Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples.

In a recent report from the Canadian working group that was elected by the Quebec government, a revision of online gambling in the Criminal Code of Canada was recommended. The modifications to be made includethe granting of online gambling licenses to private operators.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) has responded to the proposals on Canadian Mobile gambling laws.They woudl also like to have an input in the gaming industry in Canada and its provinces as well. The working group was put in place after the launching of the online gaming site in Canada called Espace Jeux, operated by Loto Quebec

MCK claims to have been snubbed in online gambling reforms

MCK’s Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle Jr. alleges that in 1985 when the decision was made to delegate the overseeing of online gambling to the provinces, the MCK was not consulted. He claimed it was history repeating itself almost 30 years later.

In its feedback to the recommendations put forward by the report, The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, who represents Aboriginal people in Canada, says it would like to actively participate in such ventures. Delisle Jr. says that there were several discrepancies regarding the Federal government’s handling of the implementation of the gaming industry since 1985.

MCK went on to stipulate that the ‘Crown’s fiduciary duty to Aboriginal People’ was not being upheld in this regard. MCK vowed that it would oppose any amendment made by the working group if the ‘inherent right of First Nations to fully participate in the gaming industry’ is not respected.

Delisle Jr. has called for mobile casino gambling directives to be accessible to its people too. There should be constructive dialogue between the MCK and the Federal government to include active input in recommendations issued by the Quebec’s government working group.