Three months after talks resumed between Akwesasne and border officials over the local port of entry closing on Cornwall Island, Grand Chief Mike Mitchell says the two parties are making progress despite the lack of intervention by the new Public Safety minister.
Minister Vic Toews' office told the Standard-Freeholder on Sunday in an e-mail he "will not involve himself in this matter because it is an operational matter best left to senior CBSA officials."
"Citizens of Cornwall can be assured that this government understands the complexity of the port of entry issue and is working diligently with the parties to find a long-term solution which is fair to all concerned," Toews said.
Cornwall Mayor Bob Kilger recently sent Toews, whose portfolio includes the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), a letter requesting a meeting to discuss the border issues, but it was turned down through MP Guy Lauzon.
In a statement released on Mar. 12, Kilger called Toews' response "extremely unfortunate and disappointing."
"It is clear the Government of Canada has no interest in hearing the views of the citizens of Cornwall, notwithstanding the co-operation we have demonstrated in facilitating the important work the (CBSA) does on behalf of all Canadians at our temporary port in Cornwall," Kilger wrote.
"This is a position I cannot accept or understand."
Toews stood by the Harper government's decision in 2006 to arm border officers because it "ensures the safety and security of the community, the traveling public and CBSA personnel."
The Akwesasne-based border crossing was closed down by the CBSA on May 31, 2009 amid a protest by Mohawks against border officers being armed with handguns.
Mitchell commiserated with Kilger's frustration over Toews because the two communities have consulted with each other frequently about the dispute and the economic difficulties that come with it.
"Mr. Toews has had no contact with our community since he took office (on Jan. 19)," Mitchell said. "I find it very insulting."
Mitchell wrote Toews a letter shortly after he became the Public Safety minister, but has received "no response to this day."
Mitchell said the border issues that affect Akwesasne need "a political solution" because it's a community that crosses an international border, as well as "the administrative solutions" being developed with the CBSA.
During a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Public and National Security, CBSA president Stephen Rigby said the agency has been "in constant communication" with the City of Cornwall and "doing (his) best" to respond to concerns.
Rigby also said "we have have had continuing discussions with our counterparts in the United States to see whether or not there might be opportunities to seek a resolution in co-operation with them."
Mitchell reports the CBSA has agreed to the creation of a position for an officer who would liaise between the border security agency and the people of Akwesasne.
"We've been talking and meeting," Mitchell said. "The CBSA has committed to the necessity of a liaison officer."
If there isn't already, Mitchell said there should a job ad for the position posted soon.
There is also a cultural sensitivity course being designed to train CBSA officers in the ways of the Mohawk people.
Mitchell said the CBSA has agreed to review the possibility of having more natives hired to staff the border crossing on Cornwall Island.
"I think all of these changes will help answer a lot of the questions we've had about native problems with the border crossing," Mitchell said.
However, he said the plan is not about restaffing the Cornwall Island border crossing with only native employees, but creating a more agreeable atmosphere for everyone.
He said the source of the tension between border officers and Mohawks was a few officers who often gave his people a hard time, a situation the community felt would only get worse with guns in their hands.
Surprisingly, admitted Mitchell at the time, the results of a plebiscite held last fall showed 75% of the 1,562 Mohawks polled wanted the border crossing back on Cornwall Island and 41% of them said they were OK with guns in the equation.
However, Mitchell said Friday that the Mohawks "still have hard, strong feelings about guns."
Nonetheless, Mitchell welcomed the progressive talks after four months with no acknowledgment of the Mohawk issues with the border following a failed meeting with CBSA officials in October.
Mitchell and CBSA vice-president Luc Portelance met one-on-one early in the new year and agreed to resume talks, recalled the grand chief.
"Our discussions have been positive and constructive," said CBSA spokesperson Patrizia Giolti. "We look forward to a ositive dialogue with Akwesasne."
Mitchell said he will be arranging another meeting with the CBSA this week.