Batchewana reps insist on POS exemption for HST
BATCHEWANA FIRST NATION OF OJIBWAYS
Batchewana First Nation represented by Chief and Council are hopeful the MOA signed by the Political Confederacy, and the Government of Ontario (represented by Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Chirs Bently and Minister of Revenue John Wilkinson), will facilitate a better working relationship toward concerns with the imposed Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), but aren’t investing complete stock in the agreement.
Since the introduction of the new tax (HST) in March of 2009, Batchewana First Nation has worked diligently on a lobbying campaign to counter the Ontario governments attempt to illegally change legislation while disregarding obligations to First Nations.
The new Memorandum of Agreement is designed to commit both parties, First Nations, and the Government of Ontario to work together to realize the continuation of the First Nation point of sale tax exemption within the framework of the HST.
The agreement is also an attempt to get the Federal Government to cooperate to provide the point of sale exemption for First Nations.
Batchewana First Nation is less concerned with issues raised by the Federal Government related to the data and accounting requirements necessary for the administration of the HST and views government obligations, Inherent and Treaty rights as the focal points for discussion.
The new agreement between the First Nations and the Province makes provisions in the event that Canada is not able to accommodate administrative measure to continue the First Nation point of sale tax exemption prior to July 1, 2010. Ontario will present a financial package to the Political Confederacy as an interim measure to provide relief, if the point of sale exemption is not restored by July 1, 2010.
Batchewana’s expectation for the interim measures are that the financial package will go toward the cost to facilitate the continued exemptions from HST (at point of sale) while the restoration and implementation of the First Nation point of sale exemption is finalized with the Federal Government. Batchewana First Nation calls on Ontario to honor this commitment and follow through.
Federal Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty’s constant refusal to meet with First Nations is a sign to us that the Crown does not take us seriously. Batchewana’s aggressive actions will continue until such a time, we see a formal agreement with the Crown Governments providing a Point of Sale exemption, to show the Crown that we are serious. Batchewana First Nation will be hosting a membership meeting on May 17, 2010 to dialogue with the nationhood members to determine the course of action against the still imposed HST. Canada and Ontario still have a nation-to-nation legally binding relationship with us and we expect them to live up to their commitments, recognizing our Treaty, and Inherent Rights!
