HST will be big blow to First Nations

News Release
Howard Hampton, NDP

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Howard Hampton says the McGuinty Liberals new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will make life less affordable for First Nations and marks a step back in the relationship between the province and First Nations.

“The people of Ontario’s First Nations live in some of the hardest hit communities in our province and the Premier’s unfair sales tax will make life harder for them,” said Hampton.

“As the HST will make life less affordable for all Ontarians, it will have a disproportionate and negative impact on First Nations communities. Everything from winter coats to gas for the car is going to cost these families hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars every year.”

Hampton joined Regional Chief of Ontario Angus Toulouse and other First Nations leaders at Queen’s Park today to release a report that found that the end of the point-of-sale tax exemption will cost First Nations families over $100 million. First Nations are currently exempt from paying the 8 per cent retail sales tax on purchases made off-reserve. This has been the case for over 40 years, and has long been recognized as part of Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

“The McGuinty Liberals didn’t even attempt to consult First Nations before they struck a backroom deal with the Harper Conservatives over the HST,” said Hampton.

“For thousands of First Nations families struggling to get by, McGuinty’s the new HST will be a huge blow to them.”