Minister Prentice Announces Appointments To First Nations Tax Commission

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Ottawa, Ontario (April 30, 2007) – Canada’s New Government today announced seven appointments to the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) (opens a new window). The FNTC’s mandate is to support and regulate First Nation property tax regimes to ensure they are administratively efficient, harmonized with property tax regimes across Canada, and fair to on-reserve taxpayers.The FNTC is one of the four institutions created through the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act which came into force on April 1, 2006. The Act, a First Nation-led initiative, established an institutional framework to provide First Nation governments with the practical tools available to other levels of government for modern fiscal management. These tools include an independent financial management assessment service and a bond financing regime. The institutions will enable First Nations that choose to use their services to participate more actively in the Canadian economy.

The appointees possess the skills, experience and capacity necessary to support the achievement of the mandate of the FNTC. The new commissioners are:

Céline Auclair
Leslie Brochu
Lester Lafond
Kenneth Robert Marsh
William McCue
Randy Price
Ann Shaw

“The appointment of these individuals to the First Nations Tax Commission is vital to promote economic growth, accountability and a better quality of life for First Nation communities,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. “The strengthened First Nation tax system supported by the FNTC will provide greater certainty and transparency for those paying property taxes on reserve.”

“Today’s appointments bring together a unique team of professionals with recognized expertise in the field of on-reserve property taxation,” said Chief Commissioner C.T. (Manny) Jules. “I am honoured to serve with these distinguished individuals as we move forward with the implementation of the FNTC. This marks the beginning of a new era of economic growth and opportunity for First Nation governments.”

These appointments follow the November 24, 2006 appointment of C.T. (Manny) Jules as Chief Commissioner.

For more information, please contact:

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations Unit
(819) 953-1160

Agnes Papanastasiou
Public Affairs Officer
Indian Taxation Advisory Board
(613) 954-6201