Medical leave extended
File photo
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) has announced that chief Paul Rice’s medical leave will continue until at least early February.
The announcement came on Thursday, January 9, via a press release.
Originally, it had been announced on December 9 that Rice had taken a 30-day medical leave, which had taken effect on December 6.
An update was supposed to be given regarding his potential return on January 6. Instead, on January 9, the MCK released another press release, this time announcing the extension of his leave by another 30 days.
While no precise date has been given regarding his potential return, the MCK said that an update is expected in “early February.”
The MCK declined to comment on the extension of Rice’s leave, citing a policy not to comment on human relations matters.
Apart from it being for a medical leave, no other details have been shared regarding Rice’s absence. The MCK did wish Rice a “full and speedy recovery” in its December 9 press release.
During Rice’s absence, his files and portfolios have been reallocated to other council chiefs.
For the time being, grand chief Cody Diabo has taken over the Finance, Administration, and Operations Committee; Tonya Perron took over the administrative affairs portfolio, for which she is a portfolio chief; Jeffrey Diabo took the lead on the economic development portfolio, where he too is a portfolio chief; and David Diabo is now tasked with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission file.
Rice also serves as portfolio chief on infrastructure, transport, and operations; lands and territories; regulatory boards/commissions and labour; and heritage.
