Casino liquor tax money will go to First Nations
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 | 3:48 PM CT
CBC News
The provincial government is signing agreements with a number of First Nations in Saskatchewan to allow them to levy their own liquor taxes on reserves.
The idea was tried as a pilot project at the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, south of Saskatoon, which is home to the Dakota Dunes Casino.
In the test project about $15,000 per month was collected.
The liquor consumption tax rate in Saskatchewan is ten per cent.
However, First Nations people on reserve are not obliged to pay such a tax.
Under the agreements everyone who buys a drink at a First Nations casino will pay the tax.
The money that is collected is then returned to the casino's host reserve for local projects.
"We believe there are many benefits to these agreements, such as promoting on-reserve governance by First Nations people and providing them with a new and stable revenue source to help fund local priorities," Rod Gantefoer, Saskatchewan's minister of finance, said in a statement announcing the agreements.
In addition to the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, agreements have been made with:
- Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nation (host of the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford)
- Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Yorkton (host of the Painted Hand Casino)
- Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Prince Albert (host of the Northern Lights Casino)
- White Bear First Nation (host of the Bear Claw Casino)
Share Tools
Latest Saskatchewan News Headlines
- Norris, 6 others out in major Sask. cabinet shuffle
- There was a big cabinet shuffle in Regina on Friday, with seven people in, seven out and a slew of portfolio changes. more »
- 3 videos to watch before the Saskatchewan Marathon
- Sunday is race day for the 2012 Saskatchewan Marathon. CBC News reporters Jill Smith and Devin Heroux have prepared feature reports, about running. more »
- Suspect arrested in alleged U of S assault
- A 22-year-old man is charged with sexual assault and uttering threats, following an incident at the University of Saskatchewan, police say. more »
- Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada heads to Lloydminster
- Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is heading west to Lloydminster, Alta./Sask., in February, 2013 for its 13th annual broadcast. more »
Top News Headlines
- Everest victim's husband says family not seeking government help
- The husband of a Toronto woman who died trying to climb Mt. Everest on Saturday says his family is not seeking government help to cover the cost of bringing his wife's body home. more »
- B.C. premier unhappy with disgraced Mountie's transfer
- B.C. Premier Christy Clark says she is not happy with the RCMP decision to transfer a disgraced Alberta Mountie to the West Coast. more »
- Henrique's OT goal sends Devils into Stanley Cup final
- The New Jersey Devils will vie for a potential fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history after defeating the New York Rangers in six games in the Eastern final, courtesy of rookie Adam Henrique's goal early in overtime. more »
- Employment Insurance review boards to be scrapped
- The federal government is scrapping two review boards used by people appealing decisions made about their employment insurance. more »
- Norris, 6 others out in major Sask. cabinet shuffle
- Suspect arrested in alleged U of S assault
- New nightclub aims to keep gang members away
- Firefighters describe hostile workplace in Prince Albert
- RCMP to close labs in Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina
- 3 videos to watch before the Saskatchewan Marathon
- Sex products removed from shelves in Saskatoon
- Volleyball team enjoys an impromptu moment with Prince Charles
- Toronto drug dealers visit Saskatoon to ply trade, police say
Play On! Canada's largest street hockey tournament!
