Joint Press Release

“HST disregards The Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 and The First Nation’s of Ontario”

11-10-09

Batchewana First Nation and Garden River First Nation

Chief Dean Sayers, of Batchewana First Nation warns, “status cards may become useless for tax exemption come July 2010 if the governments plan for HST becomes a reality”. 

Outlined in the government of Ontario’s March 2009 budget was a plan to work with the Federal government to harmonize the 8% Ontario Sales Tax (PST) with the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). The idea is to combine both taxes to form one “Harmonized” Sales Tax (HST) of 13%, which is planned for July 2010.

The federal and provincial tax laws have in the past granted “Indian” tax exemption, which has acknowledged the fact that tax exemption is a recognition of Nationhood and most importantly a Treaty right outlined in the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. Chief Lyle Sayers of Garden River First Nation says, “this change in tax policy is highly unacceptable and will not be condoned, this erosion of our rights has to stop”.

Currently in Ontario First Nations are able to make most purchases without paying PST by producing their status card. However the proposed HST will directly impact this approach as the PST will be harmonized into the GST system which would not provide for the current  point of sale tax exemption.

By removing the point of sale tax exemption the Government of Ontario is dismissing First Nation’s Treaty Rights and disregarding their duty to consult with First Nations when changing legal policies.

Batchewana and Garden River First Nations are drawing the line and will be preparing a lobbying campaign to counter the  Ontario governments attempt to illegally change legislation while disregarding obligations to First Nations.

Batchewana and Garden River First Nations will be hosting Community Meetings to give all community members a chance to bring forward  concerns and create a collective voice to  stop the government of Canada’s plan to take away Treaty Rights.

Please contact either First Nation for further information.