HST protest to close Hwys 17, 17B tomorrow

PRESS RELEASE

GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION

************************* GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION - (DECEMBER 2) - BE ADVISED THAT TOMORROW, DECEMBER 3, 2009, THE CITIZENS OF GARDEN RIVER IN SUPPORT OF OUR LEADERSHIP WILL BE CLOSING HIGHWAY 17 AND 17 B TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 1 P.M. TO 2 P.M.

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO THE IMPOSED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARMONIZED SALES TAX (HST).

THE FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS' PLAN TO IMPLEMENT THE HARMONIZED SALES TAX (HST) AGAINST OUR PEOPLE.

THIS MEANS THAT WHEN YOU MAKE PURCHASES OFF-RESERVE AFTER JULY 1, 2010 YOU WILL PAY THE COMBINED 13 PERCENT TAX.

THE GOVERNMENTS MADE THIS DECISION WITHOUT ANY MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE RIGHTS OF FIRST NATIONS TO TAX EXEMPTION.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARMONIZED SALES TAX WILL IMPACT ALL CITIZENS OF ONTARIO, THEREFORE, WE NEED TO JOIN TOGETHER TO OPPOSE THIS ACTION AS A UNITED RESPONSE AGAINST THE FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS.

WE ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS TO CONTACT THEIR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT AND MPP THEIR DECISION TO IMPOSE THE HARMONIZED SALES TAX BY JULY 1, 2010 IS A DIRECT ATTACK OF OUR TREATY RIGHTS TO REMAIN TAX EXEMPT.

THIS IS FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE ONGOING POLICY FOR BOTH CANADA AND THE PROVINCE TO EXTINGUISH THE SACRED RIGHTS OF OUR PEOPLE, CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN YET TO COME.

WE CAN NO LONGER SIT BACK AND LET THIS HAPPEN.

WE STRONGLY OPPOSE AND WILL TAKE DIRECT ACTION AGAINST THE HST AND THE ELIMINATION OF THE RETAIL SALES TAX EXEMPTION FOR FIRST NATIONS.

THIS PROTEST IS IN SUPPORT OF OUR LEADERSHIP WHO ARE ATTENDING THE ALL ONTARIO CHIEFS CONFERENCE IN TORONTO WHO WILL RALLY AT THE ONTARIO LEGISLATURE ON DECEMBER 3, FROM 2 P.M TO 4 P.M.

WE ASK THAT YOU JOIN WITH US TO SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT WILL AFFECT US AS WELL AS FUTURE GENERATIONS.

WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE PARKING LOT AT THE GARDEN RIVER TRUSS COMPANY (OLD LAJAMBE SITE) AT 12 NOON.

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE DEMONSTRATE OUR STRENGTH, UNITY AND SUPPORT.

SAFETY OF THE FIRST NATION AND ALL CITIZENS IS OUR PRINCIPLE CONCERN.

THE GARDEN RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT, ANISHINABEK POLICE SERVICES AND OTHER LOCAL POLICE SERVICES WILL BE ON-SITE TO ENSURE A SAFE RALLY.

REMINDER: IF YOU HAVE APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 3, PLEASE RESCHEDULE OR ENSURE THAT YOU PROCEED TO THE CITY BEFORE 1 P.M.

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