Thitry-three First Nations collect property tax under the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (FSMA), following the publication of the FSMA schedule under new regulations in the Canada Gazette on December 26, 2007.

Mr. C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission, recognized the decision by these First Nations to participate in the FSMA as an historic milestone in the development of First Nation economies. “These communities have made clear their desire to move beyond the Indian Act and create greater certainty for their taxpayers while using their property tax system to build the infrastructure necessary to attract investment, create jobs and fully participate in the economy. ”

For the participating First Nations, 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. “By choosing to exercise property tax jurisdiction under the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, these First Nations will be better positioned to promote economic growth, strengthen their accountability and foster a better quality of life for their members,” said Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

The FSMA came into force on April 1, 2006. Participating First Nations under the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, beginning January 1, 2008:

• Adams Lake Indian Band
• ?Akisq’nuk First Nation
• Alexander First Nation
• Chehalis Indian Band
• Chemainus First Nation
• Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
• Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
• Kamloops Indian Band
• Kitselas First Nation
• Lequ’á:mel First Nation
• Lower Kootenay Indian Band
• Lower Nicola Indian Band
• Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation
• Moricetown Indian Band
• Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
• Nanoose First Nation
• Osoyoos Indian Band
• Seabird Island Band
• Shuswap First Nation
• Shxwhá:y Village First Nation
• Simpcw First Nation
• Skeetchestn Indian Band
• Sliammon First Nation
• Songhees First Nation
• St. Mary’s First Nation
• Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations
• Tobacco Plains Indian Band
• Tobique First Nation
• Tsawout First Nation
• Tsawwassen First Nation
• Tzeachten First Nation
• We Wai Kai Nation
• White Bear First Nation

KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA (June 18, 2007) – The First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) celebrated its inauguration today on the Kamloops Indian reserve. The 10-member FNTC is one of the four institutions created as a result of the passage of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (FSMA) which received Royal Assent in March 2005. It is the successor organization to the Indian Taxation Advisory Board.

The event began with the appointment of the tenth Commissioner, Ms. Terry Nicholas, by Sakej Henderson, Director of the Native Law Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. The appointment, a unique feature of shared governance institutions, was made pursuant to a regulation under the FSMA.

“This is a truly historic moment. With the final appointment in place, the Commission can now begin the work of fulfilling its mandate to help First Nations build stronger economies.” said C.T. (Manny) Jules, FNTC Chief Commissioner.

The traditional ceremony that followed featured an honour song, prayer and smudge ceremony. Each Commissioner was then called forward to take the oath of office.“Kamloops is the cradle of First Nations property taxation” said Jules, as he traced the origins of the Commission. The Kamloops Indian Band led the successful 1988 amendment to the Indian Act (Bill C-115), which gave First Nation communities the right to levy property taxes on First Nations land. Kamloops is now the location of the head office of the FNTC.

Over the next two days, the new Commissioners will attend an extensive orientation session, to better prepare themselves for the FNTC’s workload.

The Indian Taxation Advisory Board will continue its services until the Commission becomes fully operational on July 1st, 2007.

KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA (June 6, 2007) – The Government of Canada announced today the appointment of Mr. David Paul, as Deputy Chief Commissioner, to the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC). The FNTC is one of the four institutions created as a result of the passage of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (FSMA) which received Royal Assent in March 2005. It is a successor organization to the Indian Taxation Advisory Board (ITAB).

Mr. Paul is a member of the Maliseet Nation at Tobique, New Brunswick and has an extensive background in First Nation property taxation and economic development. He has served as a member of ITAB since its inception.“Mr. Paul has been an integral part of our team since the very first day of ITAB. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Commission,” said C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the FNTC. “He has a solid understanding of the First Nation property tax system and played a key role in developing and building support for the FSMA. I am very pleased we can continue to work together. I know he will make a significant contribution as Deputy Chief Commissioner.”

“On behalf of Canada’s New Government, I wish to congratulate Mr. Paul on his appointment as Deputy Chief Commissioner,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non- Status Indians. “With a strengthened First Nation tax system, supported by the FNTC, there will be greater certainty and transparency for those paying property taxes on reserve.”

The tenth and final appointment to the Commission will be made by the Native Law Centre, University of Saskatchewan. It will be done pursuant to a regulation made under the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act. ITAB will continue its services until the Commission begins operations.

KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA (November 24, 2006) – The Government of Canada today appointed C.T. (Manny) Jules as Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC).
As Chief Commissioner, Mr. Jules will be responsible for leading the establishment of the FNTC, which is one of the four institutions created as a result of the passage of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (FSMA). The FSMA received Royal Assent in March 2005. Mr. Jules will also serve as the Chief Executive Officer and will have supervision over, and direction of, the work and the staff of the Commission.

“Mr. Jules is a community leader and a pioneer when it comes to First Nation tax regimes ” said Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. “His leadership and determination in the development of these institutions was invaluable. On behalf of Canada’s New Government, I wish to congratulate Mr Jules on his appointment.” The ten-member FNTC is a shared governance organization responsible for developing and regulating the First Nation property tax system. Each member must be committed to strengthening First Nation property tax and must possess the requisite corporate governance experience and abilities to enable the FNTC to fulfill its mandate.

“The First Nations Tax Commission will play a critical role in attracting public and private sector investment on reserve, and in improving the overall economic health of First Nations,” said Mr. Jules. “It is an honour to be asked to lead this Commission, and I look forward to building on the great work done by the Indian Taxation Advisory Board in support of taxing First Nations across Canada.”

Mr. Jules has the distinction of successfully leading two First Nation-led pieces of federal legislation: the 1988 amendment to the Indian Act, (Bill C-115), which gave communities the right to levy property taxes on designated lands, and the 2005 First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act, (Bill C-20), which provides participating First Nations with a series of economic development tools.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (October 19, 2006) – The Government of Canada has officially commenced a selection process to appoint Commissioners on the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC).
The Commission will be comprised of 10 men and women, including members of First Nations, who are committed to strengthening First Nation real property tax regimes and who possess the necessary business skills, experience and capacity to enable the FNTC to fulfill its mandate.

Interested candidates should forward their curriculum vitae to:

First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Initiative Appointments
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
21st Floor, 10 Wellington Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4

The deadline for submission is November 24, 2006.