MCK Justice Services signs Alternative Measures Program Agreement

09/21/2023

The Justice Services Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has signed a Memorandum of Agreement concerning the referral of certain criminal offenses to the Alternative Measures Program (AMP) for adults in Aboriginal communities (MOA) with Quebec’s Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DCPP) this past Tuesday.

Entering into the AMP will allow for the referral of various criminal cases from the DCPP in Longueuil to Skén:nen Aonsón:ton (“To Become Peaceful Again”) for resolution using alternative measures such as restorative justice. Please note that not all cases can or will be eligible for referral.

Skén:nen Aonsón:ton is a process that has been in existence since 2000 and is used to resolve conflict in a holistic, peaceful, non-adversarial way.

Benefits of the AMP include:

• Encouraging persons to take responsibility for their conduct;
• Allowing persons to take an active role in providing reparation for the harm done;
• Addressing the root problems that may have contributed to the person’s involvement in the justice system and
• Offering victims the opportunity to present their point of view and to participate in any reparation and reconciliation process.

“This is a very positive step for Kahnawà:ke that will see adult criminal cases coming back to the community for resolution,” said Commissioner of Justice Kevin Fleischer. “This will promote dialogue, communication, and acceptance of responsibility for past behavior while focusing on healing and problem-solving. We are hopeful that this will foster real, lasting results for the benefit of our community members.”

Implementation of the MOA  will be gradual over the coming months.