ONTARIO, Canada- The province has signed an agreement-in-principle with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA). The purpose of the agreement is tobacco regulation and revenue-sharing to support community growth and prosperity as well as to advance self-regulation.
The government has been working with the MCA since 2012 to explore self-regulation of on-reserve tobacco and revenue-sharing as part of a tobacco pilot project.
“Ontario is committed to working on a government-to-government basis with First Nations to find a mutually beneficial and sustainable solution to tobacco regulation and revenue-sharing.” said David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “Today’s announcement with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is an historic and exciting step in that direction.”
“The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne looks forward to continuing to work cooperatively with Ontario, to build on our existing relationship, and to continue to find mutually beneficial economic opportunities that can be supported by both Ontario and the Akwesasne community.” said Grand Chief Abram Benedict, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
Advancing more collaborative agreements such as this one is just one of many steps Ontario will take towards healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The agreement reflects Ontario’s commitment to work in collaboration with Indigenous partners while it also helps create a better future for all who live in the province.
