Phillips to fill new role with Council
Lloyd Phillips will transition away from his current role of commissioner of public safety into his new chief political advisor to the Council of chiefs role, which will fully begin on October 6. Courtesy Mohawk Council of Kahnawake
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) announced on Wednesday that commissioner of public safety Lloyd Phillips will be returning to the political side of council, as he was named the new chief political advisor to the Council of chiefs.
“To have the council endorse you is very rewarding. It’s an acknowledgement of the years of experience and service I did for various roles at council. I’m looking forward to working alongside them and hoping to move files along in a productive way,” said Phillips.
He had been involved in politics for many years, serving as a council chief from 1996 to 2006, then again from 2009 to 2015, and once more from 2018 to 2019, when he became commissioner of public safety.
Phillips initially decided against applying for the position, but after discussion with family, friends, and colleagues, he reconsidered.
“I felt I still had something to offer in that field. So, I went to jump back in. To be honest, I missed the politics of dealing with government and dealing with the issues of the day,” said Phillips.
“I thought maybe it was time in my career to have a change.”
He hopes that his wealth of experience and knowledge will be a big asset to the role.
“A lot has changed in our community from the 1990s to today. I can help bring some of that perspective on how we evolved to where we are now,” said Phillips.
“I hope that’s something that’s going to provide some insight to some of the decisions that are made, and maybe assess, the potential impacts to the community and to the Council as we move forward.”
MCK grand chief Cody Diabo said he is looking forward to working with Phillips at the Council table.
“He’s got a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience with the government on many different levels. I’m really excited to have him back in the Office of the Council of Chiefs and excited for all the things we’re going to be trying to accomplish over the next two years,” said Diabo.
Phillips, for his part, is looking forward to that return to the Council table and to return to political work.
“I’m looking forward to be face-to-face with outside governments, with the federal and/or provincial governments and finding ways forward so our community gets what we need in terms of our wants, and desires, and jurisdiction, and funds,” said Phillips.
“That’s a big part of what I worked on when I was on council for years, and I’m looking forward to being part of that again.”
He said he has received a lot of support following the news of his appointment from community members.
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He will take over the chief political advisor role fully on October 6, with the time until then spent handing over the files he oversees as commissioner of public safety to the appropriate people.
