NAN demands consultation, accommodation over HST

November 19, 2009

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy is demanding consultation and accommodation of the rights of First Nations over the proposed harmonized sales tax.

"The Ontario government has introduced HST legislation without consulting First Nations and now it's being reported they're refusing to hold public hearings to consider the impacts of the combined tax," Beardy said, adding the proposed legislation conflicts with First Nation understanding of the treaty relationship between First Nations and the Crown, whereby one sovereign nation cannot tax another. "Both levels of government have an obligation to consult with First Nations if an Aboriginal and treaty right could be compromised."

Beardy and other First Nation leaders across Ontario rejected the HST legislation Nov. 17 after it was introduced in the Ontario legislature Nov. 16.

"Both the provincial and federal governments failed to consult with First Nations prior to announcing their intent to harmonize the taxes in spite of the fact that First Nations will be significantly impacted," said Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

If the 13 per cent HST legislation is passed, it will add to the cost of many goods and services not previously taxed.

"The proposed HST will put an additional burden on First Nation economies, further impoverishing NAN communities," Beardy said. "This will be hardest felt in by the people in our remote First Nation communities where two litres of milk can be $15 and the basic necessities of life are already beyond the means of the average family."