B.C. First Nations say unfairly targeted by HST

By: The Canadian Press Date: Friday Jun. 25, 2010 11:18 AM PT

First Nations leaders in B.C. say the outcome of a meeting with Finance Minister Colin Hansen is encouraging. Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs met with Hansen Thursday to discuss the harmonized sales tax, due to take effect in B.C. and Ontario on July 1. B.C. aboriginals are seeking a point-of-sale exemption from the combined federal and provincial sales tax, similar to an agreement between the Ontario government and First Nations in that province. Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs president Stuart Phillip says Hansen apologized for not meeting earlier with First Nations groups and agreed to further consultations. Phillip says Hansen told the meeting he believes the HST is "net beneficial" for aboriginals. Native leaders oppose the tax because they believe it will unfairly target many First Nations communities already living below the poverty line.