HARMONIZED SALES TAX (HST)

Dear Community Members,

In their budget of 2009, the Ontario Government has announced the "harmonization" of both the provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Ontario intends to implement the HST on July 1st, 2010 and only purchases made on or delivered to the reserve will be exempt from taxation.

HST will also now apply to ALL goods that were previously exempt from PST such as personal services (haircuts, etc.), professional services (accounting, legal, bookkeeping, etc.), Internet, etc.

Ontario DID NOT consult with First Nations prior to announcing their plans for this HST.

We strongly oppose the HST! It is an erosion of our rights!

We have:

• 
  
  Signed a BCR and ask that the Chiefs of Ontario take a more aggressive position fighting HST since it impacts all First Nations in Ontario


• 
  
  Sent a copy of the BCR along with a letter setting out our concerns to our local MP, Bruce Stanton and MPP Garfield Dunlop.


• 
  
  Sent a copy of our BCR to the Chippewas Tri-Council, Williams Treaty First Nations and Ogemawhj Tribal Council encouraging them to get involved too.

Chief and Council will continue to oppose the HST. Keep reading the Ojibway Times and our blog for more or contact Chief and Council.

Yours truly,

Chief and Council