Press Releases and Bulletins

Twelve More First Nations to Collect Property Tax Under the FSMA

TWELVE MORE FIRST NATIONS TO COLLECT PROPERTY TAX UNDER THE FIRST NATIONS FISCAL AND STATISTICAL MANAGEMENT ACT KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA (September 17, 2008) – Twelve more First Nations are now able to collect property taxes under the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (FSMA), following the publication of an amendment to the FSMA schedule under new regulations published in the Canada Gazette today.

The twelve First Nations join the thirty-three that were added to the schedule on January 1, 2008.

Mr. C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission, is very happy to see these First Nations move beyond the Indian Act. “It has been a vision of First Nation leaders for many years to see First Nations able to fully participate in the economy and break away from the Indian Act. It’s great to see more communities creating greater certainty for their taxpayers while using their property tax system to build infrastructure and attract investment and create jobs at home.” Property taxation under the FSMA means stronger enforcement powers, mechanisms to improve property taxpayer relations, and access to the full range of fiscal benefits offered through the legislation.

The FSMA came into force on April 1, 2006.

The First Nations added to the schedule by this amendment are: Chawathil First Nation; Indian Island First Nation; Kwaw-Kwaw-Apilt First Nation; Matsqui First Nation; Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation; Neskonlith Indian Band; Skawahlook First Nation; Skowkale First Nation; Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation; Squiala First Nation; Sumas First Nation; and Yakweakwioose First Nation. A list of the First Nations on the original schedule can be found on the FNTC website and on the website of the Canada Gazette.

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For more information, please contact:

Agnes Papanastasiou
Public Affairs Officer,
First Nations Tax Commission
(613) 789-5000, ext. 202