Bands Sign Up For New Tax Regime

Bands Sign Up For New Tax Regime

Monday, January 07, 2008 at 16:04

Thirty-three First Nations across Canada, including two from Saskatchewan, are participating in a new property tax system.

It’s made possible through the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, which came into effect January 1.

The Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and White Bear First Nation are both taking part in the tax regime, which is aimed at getting more funds to reserves.

White Bear Chief Brian Standingready says his reserve is expanding its property tax system to cover provincial government infrastructure on reserve land, such as highways and pipelines.

Standingready says First Nations are too dependent on government grants for money.

He encourages more Saskatchewan First Nations to participate in the system, saying it pays for salaries and other costs of chief and council.

Standingready thinks the reason more Saskatchewan First Nations do not participate in the system is they have third-party or co-management situations, and do not have adequate governance and financial structures in place.