Reduction Of Tax-Free Smokes Headed To Court: FSIN

Reduction Of Tax-Free Smokes Headed To Court: FSIN

Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 14:52

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is moving ahead with legal action against the province over a change of policy on the availability of tax-free cigarettes.

In March, the province announced that it was reducing the number of cigarettes purchased tax-free by status Indians on reserves from three cartons to one carton.

The change took effect on July 1st.

FSIN Vice-Chief Morley Watson says First Nations communities were not consulted and it has cost them millions of dollars.

Watson also says it’s an infringement on treaty rights.

He says a meeting will be held next month in a First Nations community to discuss legal options.

Watson adds that when the case reaches the courts, he wants the proceedings to be conducted in Cree.