MCK Justice Services signs Alternative Measures Program Agreement

09/21/2023

The Justice Services Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�: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 Sk�n:nen Aons�n: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.

Sk�n:nen Aons�n: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 Kahnaw�: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.