Ontario’s new HST will take away point-of-sale tax exemptions for First Nations members across the province when it comes into effect July 1st.
That was the subject of a protest Monday morning at Saugeen First Nation.
Currently, First Nation residents show their status card to be exempt from PST when making a purchase.
But Chief Randall Kahgee says the new HST doesn’t allow for that exemption, and they’ll have to save their receipts to be reimbursed ….
Kahgee says at the end of the day it’s about communication and relationships. He says the HST bill was the most aggressive piece of legislation he’s seen, that didn’t allow time to consult with First Nations people first.
He says the provincial and federal governments are failing miserably when it comes to maintaining those relationships.
During the noon hour Monday — a parade of support was held as natives marched from the band offices, down Highway 21 to the Ampitheatre grounds.
OPP were on hand to make sure the march was orderly and safe for everyone.
There were no incidents.
