MCK announces position on Gas tax issues

05/11/2011

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform Kahnawa’kehró:non that it is responding to community concerns about recent developments regarding “gas tax.”

As the community is aware, Québec is planning to implement a new system that would allow Native people in the province to enjoy point-of-sale tax exemption for gasoline purchased on reserve and had previously announced a start date of 1 Ohiari’kó:wa/July.

The new system is being implemented due to legal action taken by the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, of which the MCK was not a part.

Several local gasoline retailers have made it known that they are unhappy with the new system and have indicated they will not implement it. The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has received a great deal of feedback from community members who are upset about this and want the MCK to take action.

“The community can be reassured that our primary position is to ensure that our people’s right to tax exemption is respected,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “We are exploring any and all ways to accomplish this. People are complaining that they’re not getting the full extent of our tax-free benefits, as our people are paying the same price as non-Natives for gas. We share their concerns and are asking the same questions. While we support private business, we are ultimately responsible to the needs, wishes and rights of the collective. ”

While the MCK is pleased that there is movement towards the point-of-sale exemption, they are less than impressed with the cumbersome process that the province is planning to use. MCK is advising community members to avoid signing up for the “Québec card” that is available on-line.

Instead, they advocate using the current system of Specific Tax rebates until the issue is further addressed and clarified directly with Québec.

Other options are being explored to address this communal need, including the possibility of creating a tax-free pump for the exclusive use of community members.