Higgs’s ‘new partnership’ plan highlights gulf in understanding with First Nations – CBC

Jan 11, 2023

Funding proposal tied to measurable targets, tax surrender at odds with Indigenous vision

To some First Nations chiefs in New Brunswick, the “new partnership” the Higgs government is offering them looks a lot like old-style paternalism.

The province’s proposal to replace the existing tax-sharing agreement is another example of the vast philosophical chasm between Premier Blaine Higgs and First Nations.

The government wants the bands to surrender any power or ability they have to impose and collect gas and tobacco taxes on reserve.

Instead, they’d receive provincial funding for housing, health care, social assistance and education — but subject to strict timelines for three phases of negotiations, and with “measurable goals” laid out in signed agreements.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/higgs-social-funding-indigenous-1.6709427

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