Alcoholic Beverages Control Board election

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has officially announced that an election will be held this fall to fill all seven vacant seats on the Alcoholic Beverages Control (ABC) Board, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the sale, distribution, and production of alcohol within the community.

The ABC Board was established under the Alcoholic Beverages Control Law, first enacted in 1995. It plays a vital role in drafting and enforcing regulations that govern alcohol-related activities, including issuing licenses, setting standards for responsible consumption, protecting minors, and ensuring community values are reflected in alcohol policy.

While the Mohawk Council retains the authority to pass laws, the ABC Board is tasked with creating and implementing the regulations that bring those laws to life. Currently, the Peacekeepers are responsible for enforcement, but discussions around establishing a more appropriate compliance structure are part of a broader reform effort.

Mohawk Council of Kahnawake chief Tonya Perron explained the urgency of the election, emphasizing that the board cannot operate legally or effectively, “Right now, there’s no functioning board,” Perron said. “The law calls for a seven-member board with a minimum quorum of five. The election is being held to fill all seven seats.”

Nomination Day for the election will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Tóta Ma’s Café from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Community members interested in standing for election must attend in person to be officially nominated.

Electoral Officers will be available on-site to receive nominations and answer any questions regarding the process. The election itself will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Golden Age Club, with polls open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Marnie Jacobs has been appointed as the Electoral Officer, with Lindsay Leborgne serving as the Assistant Electoral Officer.

Under the existing ABC Law, candidates must meet several eligibility criteria. Nominees must be Mohawks of Kahnawake and listed on the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawake Registry. They must be at least 18 years of age, have no direct or indirect involvement in the community’s alcohol industry, and be publicly presented as candidates. Each person must also be nominated and seconded by two other community members and must be willing to commit to a two-year term.

While there is no formal education requirement, Perron emphasized the importance of selecting individuals who are responsible, dependable, and ideally have experience serving on a board or commission. She noted that the board is required to meet monthly sometimes more frequently which makes the role a serious and time-consuming responsibility.

Despite the importance of the ABC Board’s work, Perron acknowledged that attracting candidates has historically been a challenge. “I foresee the biggest challenge being the same as with other boards getting people interested to apply,” she said. “It’s often difficult to fill a board, especially one with seven seats.”

To ensure transparency, the election will follow a process similar to Council elections. Candidate names, their nominators, and vote counts will be made public once the ballots are tabulated. Each eligible voter will be able to select up to seven candidates on their ballot.

While the focus is currently on the election, Perron also pointed out that a separate process to review and potentially amend or replace the ABC Law is ongoing. Although the law was recently updated in June 2025, those changes were formatting-related and tied to the implementation of the Justice Act, rather than addressing any substantive concerns. Perron emphasized that the ABC Law, in its current form, has remained largely unchanged since it was introduced in 1995. She noted that it no longer reflects modern realities or aligns with other recent community laws.

The request to amend or potentially repeal and replace the outdated Kahnawake Communal Law on Alcoholic Beverages was submitted on July 2, 2025, by Tonya Perron, the request calls attention to the law’s vague enforcement mechanisms, lack of regulatory detail, and outdated governance structure. Though filed under Perron’s name, the request originated from her colleague Iohahi:io Delisle.

Perron believes the issues go beyond minor amendments and will likely require a full legislative overhaul. The revised law would aim to strengthen licensing, enforcement, oversight, and public safety, with real tools for compliance. While the request is in a legislative queue, Perron encourages the community to engage in future consultations to help shape a more modern, accountable framework for alcohol regulation in Kahnawake.

As the election approaches, Perron called on community members to actively participate whether by running as candidates, nominating others, or casting their votes. “If you care about your community and the responsible regulation of alcohol, step up either as a candidate, a nominator, or a voter,” she said. “Your voice matters. This is your chance to ensure the board is representative, committed, and capable.”

For more information on the ABC Law or the election process, community members are encouraged to visit the Kahnawà:ke legislative website or contact the board directly at [email protected].

[email protected]