MCK continues to address Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit concerns

03/22/2017

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to advise community members it is continuing its work to address complex problems that have been brought forth by Revenu Quebec’s directive regarding the Solidarity Tax Credit.

Revenu Québec has directed that all Aboriginals will need to use the Releve 31 (RL-31) slip as proof of residency for owners, tenants and subtenants of an eligible dwelling located in an Aboriginal community to claim the housing component of the Solidarity Tax Credit when they file their 2016 income tax return.

In late February Revenu Quebec sent a letter to Kahnawa’kehró:non indicating that, if they didn’t fully comply with the new directives, portions of the Solidarity Tax Credit could or would be withheld.

This letter also explains that if you were the owner, tenant or subtenant of an eligible dwelling on the 31st of December 2016 and you have not yet received a RL-31 you may nonetheless file your return by following the instructions contained in the Appendix to the letter. If you file your return by following the instructions contained in the Appendix you will preserve your right to have your eligibility for the housing component of the Solidarity Tax Credit determined once a solution to the problem has been found.

“It is really unfortunate that Revenu Quebec has created a situation that seems to really penalize those who are most vulnerable – the people who really depend on that extra money,” said Ietsénhaienhs Rhonda Kirby, who holds the Quebec/Kahnawà:ke Relations portfolio. “We will continue to fight for those who meet the requirement to receive these monies.”

While Revenue Quebec has made agreements with many other Indigenous communities through the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec & Labrador on this matter, the MCK wishes to make it clear that Kahnawà:ke’s situation is different from most other communities and falls outside the reach of those agreements, mainly due to the fact most homes are privately owned and the MCK is NOT the landlord in most situations.
 
“We will continue to address this issue at both the operational and political level,” Ietsénhaienhs Kirby concluded. “One thing remains clear: Revenu Quebec created this problem. They have the obligation to find a solution.”

Please note: The MCK has interviewed several resource people in an effort to better explain the current situation. Click here to view .