"How new HST affects Status Indian exemptions"

The provincial Liberals plan for a new "harmonized" tax which combines both the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax into one HST is getting harsh reviews from economists but even worse response from Ontario's Onkwehon:weh Nations, including Six Nations and New Credit.

Elected Chief Bill Montour spoke with Provincial Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid Thursday about his concerns over how that is going to affect the use of status cards exemptions on PST.

It appears the province did not think this through before announcing it and certainly did not consult with First Nations about it either, because Duguid has agreed to convene a meeting, after the fact, with Ontario First Nations leaders to investigate how or if the new HST will affect Natives.

"Six Nations Council is fully aware of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland HST/Status Indian Exemption practices and we know what impact it has had on Status Indians re-

Since 1996, those named Maritime provinces exempted Status Indians of GST/HST, if purchases are made on a reserve or are delivered to a reserve by a vendor or the vendor's agent. Off reserve purchases however, are subject to the HST. To receive the PST exemption, Status Indians must retain their proof of purchase and submit any/all receipts to the province for PST reimbursement.

"Will Ontario follow suit with these maritime provinc­es and impose the same system?" Montour wonders. He and his council have many concerns which will be asked of both Duguid and the Ministry of Finance officials when they meet Wednesday, April 1, at Queens Park with the Chiefs of Ontario.

There will be an update which will appear in the Tekawennake next week, after Wednesday's meeting.