COO fighting for tax exemption rights of First Nations peoples after Ontario budget released
COO press release
Chiefs Of Ontario React to Provincial Budget
MARCH 27, 2009
TORONTO - In the period leading up to and subsequent to the First Ministers Meeting on the Economy in January 2009, the Chiefs in Ontario strongly advocated for strategic investment into infrastructure and development for First Nation communities across the province.
“We will carefully assess the budget to ensure First Nations have full access to infrastructure spending. In the past, First Nations have been excluded from broad-based initiatives, we are advocating strongly that Government of Ontario must fulfill its commitment to a new relationship and ensure full participation and access to such measures for First Nations across Ontario,” says Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse. He adds, “Budget 2009 offers only minimal specific commitments to First Nations. We are pleased to see a commitment to working with us on an Ontario-First Nations Forum on the economy in the Fall of 2009 and we are hopeful this event will generate additional specific commitments. First Nations are also interested in the $250 million loan guarantee program to support our participation in energy projects. Finally, the Government's continued commitment to the implementation of the Ipperwash Inquiry report is acknowledged.”
What may be the most significant and immediate concern expressed by First Nations is in regard to implementation in July 2010 of the Canada/Ontario harmonized tax. "While not ideal, Ontario currently has one of the most effective approaches respecting First Nation taxation exemption for point of sale purchases of any jurisdiction in Canada and in particular is a far more respectful and appropriate approach than that of the Federal Government's GST," says Regional Chief Toulouse. "It will be essential that First Nations are fully engaged in the implementation process to ensure that existing provincial processes and policies are fully maintained and respected. We will pursue these commitments immediately and have already had assurances from the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid that the intention is to maintain the Ontario policy and procedure on this matter."
Regional Chief Toulouse plans to meet with Finance Minister Duncan to ensure the implementation of the harmonization scheme will respect the tax exemption rights of First Nations peoples in Ontario. “We will also pursue this matter with federal Revenue Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn” says Regional Chief Toulouse.
The Chiefs in Ontario, comprising the 133 First Nations in Ontario, is a political forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action and advocacy.
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For more information or interviews, please contact:
Harmony Rice, Communications
416.597.1266 or 416.576.9718
harmony@coo.org