It was all about the HST on Thursday when B.C. Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Colin Hansen sat down with the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) HST Committee and First Nations Summit Executives.
"We had a frank and candid discussion with Minister Hansen about our serious concerns of the impacts of the HST on First Nations in BC," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
During the meeting, Minister Hansen apologized and stated that he wished B.C. engaged First Nations earlier to provide assurances. He said HST is "net beneficial" for First Nations.
One dominant theme that emerged from the discussion was that the status-quo of the deep and ongoing poverty experienced by First Nations isn't acceptable. Hansen acknowledged this concern and agreed to discuss this issue further.
The next meeting will be hosted by Minister Hansen in Victoria. The UBCIC HST Committee agreed to present a proposal for further in-depth dialogue about the HST implementation.
