Final diplomatic attempt at resolving HST concerns
Treaties agreed to by AIAI member Nations and the Crown do not include any provisions or clauses on taxation of First Nation citizens. As such, First Nations have maintained a right to tax exemption status that pre-dates confederation. "AIAI's Chief Council has given me a job to do, and it's to fight the HST until the end. And that's what I'm doing," says Grand Chief Phillips, who worries that the new harmonized tax will put First Nations at an increased socio-economic disadvantage and violate treaty rights to tax immunity.
Grand Chief Phillips, along with Assembly of First Nation's Ontario Regional Chief Angus
Grand Chief Phillips goes on to say that since the Harmonized Sales Tax legislation was rushed through the house in record time, it has trampled on our rights to tax immunity. "The Senate can offer sober second thought," he says. "I hope they will take the opportunity to take a step back and ensure our rights, as recognized by both the Constitution and the Supreme Court of
AIAI's Deputy Grand Chief, Chris McCormick adds that, "Nations cannot impose taxes on another nation. Our treaties have not given
Ontario first unveiled its plans to introduce the Harmonized Sales Tax when it tabled its 2009 provincial budget in March. Exemptions are being considered for large corporations; however, First Nation's current point of sale tax exemption would cease to exist. First Nations were not consulted about this change, despite the fact that the Supreme Court of
While Grand Chief Phillips hopes that the senate does accept the amendment proposed today, he did acknowledge that there may be other actions taken. "If we are unable to find a solution through political means today, First Nations will have no other choice but to consider legal challenges, and raise the issue at the international level. In the meantime, residents of Ontario and
For further information: For further information: and to schedule an interview with Grand Chief Randall Phillips, contact: Sherry Huff, Communications Coordinator, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, 387 Princess Ave, London, ON, N8B 2A7, Office (519) 434-2761, Blackberry (519) 615-1367
Share this article