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FNTC: NEWS
The Legacy of Chief Clarence Jules Sr. (January 6, 1926 – September 10, 2015)
Chief Clarence Jules Sr. was born in 1926 on the Kamloops Reserve and was raised on his father’s farm. He attended the Indian Residential School until he reached the ninth grade. While at the school he milked the cows and looked after the horses. When he was 14, he asked his father for a quarter to buy jeans. He was told to go get a job. He left school, worked haying for a rancher, milked cows by hand at a dairy, and spent seven years working at the Palmer Ranch.
In 1952, Chief Jules married Delores Casimir and continued to work on area ranches. They had nine children together. He worked as a range rider for the band, farmed hay and cattle and as stated in his induction to the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2010 “always had a nice string of horses.”
He worked hard for his family. As he said about working on the range “The hours were kind of rough on my wife, though, I often had to get up at two and three in the morning.” Perhaps his most famous quote about working hard was “You can’t fix a flat tire by yelling at it.”
He was more, however, than a hardworking cowboy. As he said in 2010, “I think I was more of a Chief and Councillor than a cowboy.”
Chief Jules led the Kamloops Indian Band (now Tk’emlups te Secwepemc) from 1962-1971. He improved the irrigation system and started a band farm, hosted the founding meeting of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in 1969 and advocated for First Nation owning their lands.
Perhaps his greatest legacy goes back to 1962 when his council passed a by-law to establish the Mount Paul Industrial Park – the first industrial park on First Nation lands. Chief Jules made sure the necessary infrastructure was built, and he personally convinced a number of businesses to invest and lease land on the reserve. His powers of persuasion must have been impressive, because securing a property right on Indian land in the 1960s was difficult. Lessees faced uncertainty about tenure, lease registration, tax liability, and local service provision; moreover, they had plenty of options on non-Indian lands. It is a testament to his vision that the Mount Paul Park has grown from 11 original businesses in 1964 to over 150 today, with annual sales of over $250 million. If there were a hall of fame for business deals, it would include Chief Clarence Jules, Sr.
Chief Clarence Jules Sr. recognized very early that First Nations needed business on their lands and that the Indian Act system was getting in the way. When leasing was just starting on the Mount Paul Industrial Park he said, “We provide the services and the province collects the taxes. We should collect the taxes to pay for better services and infrastructure. Otherwise we can’t compete for business.” He was a very patient but determined man. It took twenty years for the federal government to catch up to him and pass the Kamloops Amendment of the Indian Act (Bill C-115) that gave Tk’emlups the property tax authority, largely due to his hard work and that of his son Manny. This created the modern First Nation tax system. During the White Paper consultations of 1968, he was asked about how the Indian Act should be changed. His answer is still relevant today:
“We feel that we are in a better position to judge the needs of our people than officials of the Department located in Ottawa. We point out that much of the dissatisfaction with the present Act arises from the lack of power and authority to Band Councils. To give just one illustration: We operate an Industrial Subdivision on part of our reserve and lease lots in the Sub-division to various individuals and companies. Before a lease can be granted not only must the Band Council pass its resolution but the lease is then routed through the Kamloops Indian Agency, then to the Vancouver office and finally to Ottawa. The same process is followed on the return trip.
We can document instances where months have gone by before a lease is finally issued. In many cases by the time the lease has been returned the lessee has gone elsewhere because people today require almost instantaneous decisions. These delays cost us money and we don’t like it. There must be a change to grant more power and authority to Indian Band Councils. After all, our Indian people elect us to represent them; they do not elect officials of the Indian Department.” (November 1968, Kelowna, BC)
His ability to build bridges between communities, people and governments created the foundation for over $2 billion in investment in First Nations and over $1 billion in taxes collected by First Nations across Canada. It has led to thousands of jobs and many agreements between First Nations and governments. As he said, “We are here, we should all live together.” In September 2009, he was honoured by the First Nations Tax Administrators Association for his contribution to First Nation taxation. This was a well-deserved honor. Many recognize that without his work, devotion to family and dedication to establishing First Nation jurisdiction there would be no First Nation tax system, no First Nations Tax Administrators Association and no First Nations Fiscal Management Act. His work has made a difference in many people’s lives. He loved people and they loved him because he was coming from a very special place. Nobody could ever forget the twinkle in his eye, and the relish in his chuckle, when he told a particularly good story. But they were never just stories. He treated everyone with honesty and respect and there was always a lesson or a helping hand. Thank you Chief Clarence Jules Sr. You will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Your legacy will live on.
Related to this story (external links):
Audio: Interview with Manny Jules, Jim Harrison Show, Radio NL (September 15, 2015)
Video: Funeral Held for Clarence Jules Senior, CFJC TV (September 16, 2015)
AMA Formalizes Support to First Nations for Assessing Linear Property – MOU Signed with FNTC
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (July 14, 2015) The First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) and the Alberta Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to share information used to prepare assessments with First Nations in Alberta.
The MOU serves to provide a framework for understanding and cooperation in formalizing the approach to share information with First Nations who are implementing property taxation in Alberta. Specifically, the FNTC and the MA have agreed on a process for providing linear property information to First Nations for preparing property assessments on reserve lands. Linear properties include wells, pipelines and other utility properties such as power lines.
This MOU is an important step forward for First Nations who require access to information to administer their taxation system. MA collects information from a variety of sources to prepare assessments for off-reserve linear property. Under this framework MA will share relevant information with First Nations to assist First Nations in preparing their own assessments of linear property.
Accurate assessments and standards are a cornerstone of property taxation systems, where accurate assessments are based on the best available information. The information provided by MA will help First Nations produce linear property assessments consistent with off-reserve linear properties in Alberta. This MOU benefits First Nations in Alberta and their taxpayers. It will mean better information, transparency and administration for taxpayers and First Nation members. This means an improved investment climate on First Nation lands and potentially more employment for First Nation members and other Albertans and revenues for First Nation governments.
The First Nations Tax Commission is a Commission established under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act with a mandate, among other things; assist First Nations in the exercise of their jurisdiction with respect to property assessment and taxation on reserve lands and to build capacity in First Nations to administer their taxation systems.
The Ministry of Alberta Municipal Affairs’ responsibilities include assisting municipalities in the provision of local government in part by providing programs and services that help ensure Albertans are served by accountable and effective local governments and live in strong and safe communities.
NAEDB: Property Taxation Successful
The FNTC welcomes the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB) report, The Aboriginal Economic Progress Report 2015, released on June 17, 2015. Under Chief Clarence Louie’s guidance, the NAEDB shed important light on the economic and social conditions in Aboriginal communities. While the Report’s findings suggest that First Nations and other governments need to do more to address significant gaps in many socio-economic indicators, we are nonetheless buoyed by the Report’s strong support for First Nation fiscal tools, like property tax.
The Aboriginal Economic Progress Report 2015
The Report notes that “Property taxation provides communities with access to stable revenue streams that can be reinvested into infrastructure and services, and provides communities greater autonomy in spending-related decisions independent of federal government involvement.
…the integrated relationship between good governance and an active property taxation framework is a common component to establishing greater control in financial matters and building economic success and independence.”
Early observations suggest that First Nations that have real property taxation bylaws tend to have better economic outcomes than those that do not. First Nations that have had property tax bylaws for longer periods of time demonstrate significantly higher outcomes than First Nations both with and without property tax bylaws.[/su_box]
There over 150 First Nations exercising property tax authority or approximately 25% of First Nations in Canada. These communities are in all regions of the country and represent the diversity of different First Nation communities. Some have historic Treaties with Canada, others do not. As disparate as they are, there is also a common thread. Collectively, they recognize that taxation is a fundamental pillar of governance, an integral part of the fiscal framework to support economic growth, and more importantly, a means to break the bonds of government transfer dependency.
This linkage between property tax jurisdiction and economic well-being is something the First Nations Tax Commission has long understood and documented. We have witnessed transformations in First Nation economies. Property tax revenue helps build infrastructure and improve services which leads to greater economic investment, and in turn to more property tax revenue. To the extent that property tax jurisdiction can lead to greater economic opportunities for First Nations and their citizens, we believe we are on the right track, and are pleased that the NAEDB Report draws the same conclusion.
Taiwan Council of Indigenous Peoples Meets with Commission
Besides officially recognizing tribes, the Council promotes the use and revitalization of Taiwan’s aboriginal languages, supports legislation that would grant autonomous land to indigenous peoples, strengthens relations between Taiwan’s indigenous groups and those in other countries, and raises awareness of aboriginal cultures.
AANDC Press Release: Amendments to FMA
OTTAWA, May 7, 2015 – Today in the House of Commons, the Harper Government introduced Bill C-59, which includes amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. The Act proposes amendments that would reduce red tape, better align the regime with provincial standards, streamline internal operations and enhance investor confidence. Amendments would clarify and simplify various processes under the Act, ultimately making it easier for First Nations to opt-in to the Act, strengthening the regime and creating a more certain business environment for investors. The introduction of these amendments stems from recommendations and consultations with the three First Nations-led institutions established under the legislation – the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC); the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB); and the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) – as well as with First Nations scheduled to the Act and those interested in opting-in. The First Nations Fiscal Management Act has been very successful in improving economic opportunities and promoting greater self-sufficiency in First Nations communities who have opted-in and these amendments will contribute towards its continued success.
Quick Facts
- The First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) came into force on April 1, 2006 and is opt-in legislation. It allows communities to securitize their property tax and other source of revenues for long-term borrowing, provides an alternative to federal funding for financing infrastructure and economic development on reserve.
- First Nations that opt-in to the Act have access to the tools and services offered by the three First Nations-led institutions established under the legislation, namely; the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) which implements an on reserve real property tax regime; the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB) who provides financial certification to First Nations; and the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA), which provides First Nations access to long-term pooled borrowing on a basis similar to other governments in Canada.
- The Act has been very successful, with strong and sustained demand from First Nations to participate in the regime. Currently, 158 First Nations have chosen to opt-in to the Act, with 82 collecting property tax, 52 having received financial performance certification, and 44 accepted as borrowing members.
- To participate in the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, a First Nation must first request that it be added to the Schedule of the Act through a Band Council Resolution.
Quotes
“Our Government is committed to helping enable First Nations to take full advantage of Canada’s economic prosperity—this is why I am so pleased that we are moving forward with amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. The proposed amendments for the opt-in legislation would reduce red tape, foster a strong and healthy investor’s climate and strengthen the regime. This is a clear demonstration of our Government’s commitment to working with First Nations to create the conditions that lead to jobs and economic development opportunities in Canada.” – Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
“Over the last ten years, we have witnessed more and more First Nations moving away from the transfer dependency model that has stagnated First Nation communities and economies. We fully expect that the legislative improvements will mean we can provide better services to more First Nations who are achieving greater self-sufficiency, improving accountability, and attracting private investment for their economies.” – C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission
“These amendments are an important step on the part of the Government of Canada to support the desire of First Nations to have the tools that enable better access to capital and improved accountability, and that improve the jurisdiction to raise revenues to create sustainable economies that benefit all Canadians.” – Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board
“On behalf of FNFA‘s board of directors and the borrowing members we are extremely happy that these important amendments to FNFMA are being considered by this Government. We are also pleased with the assistance they provided throughout the process.” – Ernie Daniels, CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority
Related Products
Additional links
PRESS RELEASE: FNTC Applauds Announcement in Budget 2015 for Amendments to the FMA
KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA (April 22, 2015) The First Nations Tax Commission welcomes the announcement in the federal Budget 2015 that the federal government will be moving forward with amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA). Enacted in 2005 by Parliament with all-party support, the FMA provides 147 participating First Nations with revenue raising powers like property taxation, improved financial management, and access to low-cost long term financing for community needs and economic growth. This has translated into over $220 million raised in property tax, over 50 new financial management systems, and a $90 million debenture. The amendments are intended to address inefficiencies, streamline First Nation access to the FMA so that more First Nations can participate, and improve investor confidence in the legislation.
The First Nations Tax Commission, along with the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Financial Management Board, have been seeking amendments to the legislation since 2009. The need for change was reflected in the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development’s Report to Parliament on the Legislative Review of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act – March 2012. Key stakeholder groups like the First Nations Tax Administrators Association, the Canadian Property Tax Association and the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association have endorsed the much needed improvements to the FMA proposed by the Commission.
FNTC Chief Commissioner C.T. (Manny) Jules welcomed the government’s announcement. “Over the last ten years, we have witnessed more and more First Nations moving away from the transfer dependency model that has stagnated First Nation communities and economies. We fully expect that the legislative improvements will mean we can provide better services to more First Nations who are achieving greater self-sufficiency, improving accountability, and attracting private investment for their economies.”
The First Nations Tax Commission is a shared governance organization established in 2005 under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA). Based in Kamloops, BC, the FNTC provides direct regulatory oversight for First Nation property taxation under the FMA, and an advisory function for First Nation property taxation under the Indian Act. Its principal functions include: working with First Nations to develop their property tax jurisdiction, reviewing and approving First Nation laws made under the FMA, and reviewing and recommending for Ministerial approval First Nation by-laws made under section 83 of the Indian Act.
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CLEARING THE PATH: NEWS & SUCCESS STORIES
The Legacy of Chief Clarence Jules Sr. (January 6, 1926 – September 10, 2015)
Chief Clarence Jules Sr. was born in 1926 on the Kamloops Reserve and was raised on his father’s farm. He attended the Indian Residential School until he reached the ninth grade. While at the school he milked the cows and looked after the horses. When he was 14, he asked his father for a quarter to buy jeans. He was told to go get a job. He left school, worked haying for a rancher, milked cows by hand at a dairy, and spent seven years working at the Palmer Ranch.
In 1952, Chief Jules married Delores Casimir and continued to work on area ranches. They had nine children together. He worked as a range rider for the band, farmed hay and cattle and as stated in his induction to the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2010 “always had a nice string of horses.”
He worked hard for his family. As he said about working on the range “The hours were kind of rough on my wife, though, I often had to get up at two and three in the morning.” Perhaps his most famous quote about working hard was “You can’t fix a flat tire by yelling at it.”
He was more, however, than a hardworking cowboy. As he said in 2010, “I think I was more of a Chief and Councillor than a cowboy.”
Chief Jules led the Kamloops Indian Band (now Tk’emlups te Secwepemc) from 1962-1971. He improved the irrigation system and started a band farm, hosted the founding meeting of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in 1969 and advocated for First Nation owning their lands.
Perhaps his greatest legacy goes back to 1962 when his council passed a by-law to establish the Mount Paul Industrial Park – the first industrial park on First Nation lands. Chief Jules made sure the necessary infrastructure was built, and he personally convinced a number of businesses to invest and lease land on the reserve. His powers of persuasion must have been impressive, because securing a property right on Indian land in the 1960s was difficult. Lessees faced uncertainty about tenure, lease registration, tax liability, and local service provision; moreover, they had plenty of options on non-Indian lands. It is a testament to his vision that the Mount Paul Park has grown from 11 original businesses in 1964 to over 150 today, with annual sales of over $250 million. If there were a hall of fame for business deals, it would include Chief Clarence Jules, Sr.
Chief Clarence Jules Sr. recognized very early that First Nations needed business on their lands and that the Indian Act system was getting in the way. When leasing was just starting on the Mount Paul Industrial Park he said, “We provide the services and the province collects the taxes. We should collect the taxes to pay for better services and infrastructure. Otherwise we can’t compete for business.” He was a very patient but determined man. It took twenty years for the federal government to catch up to him and pass the Kamloops Amendment of the Indian Act (Bill C-115) that gave Tk’emlups the property tax authority, largely due to his hard work and that of his son Manny. This created the modern First Nation tax system. During the White Paper consultations of 1968, he was asked about how the Indian Act should be changed. His answer is still relevant today:
“We feel that we are in a better position to judge the needs of our people than officials of the Department located in Ottawa. We point out that much of the dissatisfaction with the present Act arises from the lack of power and authority to Band Councils. To give just one illustration: We operate an Industrial Subdivision on part of our reserve and lease lots in the Sub-division to various individuals and companies. Before a lease can be granted not only must the Band Council pass its resolution but the lease is then routed through the Kamloops Indian Agency, then to the Vancouver office and finally to Ottawa. The same process is followed on the return trip.
We can document instances where months have gone by before a lease is finally issued. In many cases by the time the lease has been returned the lessee has gone elsewhere because people today require almost instantaneous decisions. These delays cost us money and we don’t like it. There must be a change to grant more power and authority to Indian Band Councils. After all, our Indian people elect us to represent them; they do not elect officials of the Indian Department.” (November 1968, Kelowna, BC)
His ability to build bridges between communities, people and governments created the foundation for over $2 billion in investment in First Nations and over $1 billion in taxes collected by First Nations across Canada. It has led to thousands of jobs and many agreements between First Nations and governments. As he said, “We are here, we should all live together.” In September 2009, he was honoured by the First Nations Tax Administrators Association for his contribution to First Nation taxation. This was a well-deserved honor. Many recognize that without his work, devotion to family and dedication to establishing First Nation jurisdiction there would be no First Nation tax system, no First Nations Tax Administrators Association and no First Nations Fiscal Management Act. His work has made a difference in many people’s lives. He loved people and they loved him because he was coming from a very special place. Nobody could ever forget the twinkle in his eye, and the relish in his chuckle, when he told a particularly good story. But they were never just stories. He treated everyone with honesty and respect and there was always a lesson or a helping hand. Thank you Chief Clarence Jules Sr. You will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Your legacy will live on.
Related to this story (external links):
Audio: Interview with Manny Jules, Jim Harrison Show, Radio NL (September 15, 2015)
Video: Funeral Held for Clarence Jules Senior, CFJC TV (September 16, 2015)
AMA Formalizes Support to First Nations for Assessing Linear Property – MOU Signed with FNTC
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (July 14, 2015) The First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) and the Alberta Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to share information used to prepare assessments with First Nations in Alberta.
The MOU serves to provide a framework for understanding and cooperation in formalizing the approach to share information with First Nations who are implementing property taxation in Alberta. Specifically, the FNTC and the MA have agreed on a process for providing linear property information to First Nations for preparing property assessments on reserve lands. Linear properties include wells, pipelines and other utility properties such as power lines.
This MOU is an important step forward for First Nations who require access to information to administer their taxation system. MA collects information from a variety of sources to prepare assessments for off-reserve linear property. Under this framework MA will share relevant information with First Nations to assist First Nations in preparing their own assessments of linear property.
Accurate assessments and standards are a cornerstone of property taxation systems, where accurate assessments are based on the best available information. The information provided by MA will help First Nations produce linear property assessments consistent with off-reserve linear properties in Alberta. This MOU benefits First Nations in Alberta and their taxpayers. It will mean better information, transparency and administration for taxpayers and First Nation members. This means an improved investment climate on First Nation lands and potentially more employment for First Nation members and other Albertans and revenues for First Nation governments.
The First Nations Tax Commission is a Commission established under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act with a mandate, among other things; assist First Nations in the exercise of their jurisdiction with respect to property assessment and taxation on reserve lands and to build capacity in First Nations to administer their taxation systems.
The Ministry of Alberta Municipal Affairs’ responsibilities include assisting municipalities in the provision of local government in part by providing programs and services that help ensure Albertans are served by accountable and effective local governments and live in strong and safe communities.
NAEDB: Property Taxation Successful
The FNTC welcomes the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board (NAEDB) report, The Aboriginal Economic Progress Report 2015, released on June 17, 2015. Under Chief Clarence Louie’s guidance, the NAEDB shed important light on the economic and social conditions in Aboriginal communities. While the Report’s findings suggest that First Nations and other governments need to do more to address significant gaps in many socio-economic indicators, we are nonetheless buoyed by the Report’s strong support for First Nation fiscal tools, like property tax.
The Aboriginal Economic Progress Report 2015
The Report notes that “Property taxation provides communities with access to stable revenue streams that can be reinvested into infrastructure and services, and provides communities greater autonomy in spending-related decisions independent of federal government involvement.
…the integrated relationship between good governance and an active property taxation framework is a common component to establishing greater control in financial matters and building economic success and independence.”
Early observations suggest that First Nations that have real property taxation bylaws tend to have better economic outcomes than those that do not. First Nations that have had property tax bylaws for longer periods of time demonstrate significantly higher outcomes than First Nations both with and without property tax bylaws.[/su_box]
There over 150 First Nations exercising property tax authority or approximately 25% of First Nations in Canada. These communities are in all regions of the country and represent the diversity of different First Nation communities. Some have historic Treaties with Canada, others do not. As disparate as they are, there is also a common thread. Collectively, they recognize that taxation is a fundamental pillar of governance, an integral part of the fiscal framework to support economic growth, and more importantly, a means to break the bonds of government transfer dependency.
This linkage between property tax jurisdiction and economic well-being is something the First Nations Tax Commission has long understood and documented. We have witnessed transformations in First Nation economies. Property tax revenue helps build infrastructure and improve services which leads to greater economic investment, and in turn to more property tax revenue. To the extent that property tax jurisdiction can lead to greater economic opportunities for First Nations and their citizens, we believe we are on the right track, and are pleased that the NAEDB Report draws the same conclusion.
Taiwan Council of Indigenous Peoples Meets with Commission
Besides officially recognizing tribes, the Council promotes the use and revitalization of Taiwan’s aboriginal languages, supports legislation that would grant autonomous land to indigenous peoples, strengthens relations between Taiwan’s indigenous groups and those in other countries, and raises awareness of aboriginal cultures.
AANDC Press Release: Amendments to FMA
OTTAWA, May 7, 2015 – Today in the House of Commons, the Harper Government introduced Bill C-59, which includes amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. The Act proposes amendments that would reduce red tape, better align the regime with provincial standards, streamline internal operations and enhance investor confidence. Amendments would clarify and simplify various processes under the Act, ultimately making it easier for First Nations to opt-in to the Act, strengthening the regime and creating a more certain business environment for investors. The introduction of these amendments stems from recommendations and consultations with the three First Nations-led institutions established under the legislation – the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC); the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB); and the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) – as well as with First Nations scheduled to the Act and those interested in opting-in. The First Nations Fiscal Management Act has been very successful in improving economic opportunities and promoting greater self-sufficiency in First Nations communities who have opted-in and these amendments will contribute towards its continued success.
Quick Facts
- The First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) came into force on April 1, 2006 and is opt-in legislation. It allows communities to securitize their property tax and other source of revenues for long-term borrowing, provides an alternative to federal funding for financing infrastructure and economic development on reserve.
- First Nations that opt-in to the Act have access to the tools and services offered by the three First Nations-led institutions established under the legislation, namely; the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) which implements an on reserve real property tax regime; the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB) who provides financial certification to First Nations; and the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA), which provides First Nations access to long-term pooled borrowing on a basis similar to other governments in Canada.
- The Act has been very successful, with strong and sustained demand from First Nations to participate in the regime. Currently, 158 First Nations have chosen to opt-in to the Act, with 82 collecting property tax, 52 having received financial performance certification, and 44 accepted as borrowing members.
- To participate in the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, a First Nation must first request that it be added to the Schedule of the Act through a Band Council Resolution.
Quotes
“Our Government is committed to helping enable First Nations to take full advantage of Canada’s economic prosperity—this is why I am so pleased that we are moving forward with amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. The proposed amendments for the opt-in legislation would reduce red tape, foster a strong and healthy investor’s climate and strengthen the regime. This is a clear demonstration of our Government’s commitment to working with First Nations to create the conditions that lead to jobs and economic development opportunities in Canada.” – Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
“Over the last ten years, we have witnessed more and more First Nations moving away from the transfer dependency model that has stagnated First Nation communities and economies. We fully expect that the legislative improvements will mean we can provide better services to more First Nations who are achieving greater self-sufficiency, improving accountability, and attracting private investment for their economies.” – C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission
“These amendments are an important step on the part of the Government of Canada to support the desire of First Nations to have the tools that enable better access to capital and improved accountability, and that improve the jurisdiction to raise revenues to create sustainable economies that benefit all Canadians.” – Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board
“On behalf of FNFA‘s board of directors and the borrowing members we are extremely happy that these important amendments to FNFMA are being considered by this Government. We are also pleased with the assistance they provided throughout the process.” – Ernie Daniels, CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority
Related Products
Additional links
PRESS RELEASE: FNTC Applauds Announcement in Budget 2015 for Amendments to the FMA
KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA (April 22, 2015) The First Nations Tax Commission welcomes the announcement in the federal Budget 2015 that the federal government will be moving forward with amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA). Enacted in 2005 by Parliament with all-party support, the FMA provides 147 participating First Nations with revenue raising powers like property taxation, improved financial management, and access to low-cost long term financing for community needs and economic growth. This has translated into over $220 million raised in property tax, over 50 new financial management systems, and a $90 million debenture. The amendments are intended to address inefficiencies, streamline First Nation access to the FMA so that more First Nations can participate, and improve investor confidence in the legislation.
The First Nations Tax Commission, along with the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Financial Management Board, have been seeking amendments to the legislation since 2009. The need for change was reflected in the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development’s Report to Parliament on the Legislative Review of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act – March 2012. Key stakeholder groups like the First Nations Tax Administrators Association, the Canadian Property Tax Association and the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association have endorsed the much needed improvements to the FMA proposed by the Commission.
FNTC Chief Commissioner C.T. (Manny) Jules welcomed the government’s announcement. “Over the last ten years, we have witnessed more and more First Nations moving away from the transfer dependency model that has stagnated First Nation communities and economies. We fully expect that the legislative improvements will mean we can provide better services to more First Nations who are achieving greater self-sufficiency, improving accountability, and attracting private investment for their economies.”
The First Nations Tax Commission is a shared governance organization established in 2005 under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA). Based in Kamloops, BC, the FNTC provides direct regulatory oversight for First Nation property taxation under the FMA, and an advisory function for First Nation property taxation under the Indian Act. Its principal functions include: working with First Nations to develop their property tax jurisdiction, reviewing and approving First Nation laws made under the FMA, and reviewing and recommending for Ministerial approval First Nation by-laws made under section 83 of the Indian Act.