A union representing border guards in Canada has rejected a proposal offered by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne that would have led to the reopening of the Seaway International Bridge.

Mohawk chiefs were working with a Canadian Border Services Agency on a deal to open a temporary border crossing station with armed guards. After a four-month trial period, the permanent station would reopen with unarmed guards for another four-month trial run.

Although it wasn't clear whether the deal would gain approval from the Canadian government, the Canadian Customs and Immigration Union said it wouldn't agree to it. The guards won't return to Mohawk lands unless they armed.

The bridge and border crossing station have been closed for over a month, limiting the flow of traffic and business for the Mohawks in Canada and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York.

Get the Story:
Deal to reopen bridge fails (The Watertown Daily News 7/9)

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