“It is unacceptable that the Premier continues to have such a paternalistic attitude towards the Indigenous population of New Brunswick. If there were certain elements of these agreements the Premier disagreed with, he should have worked with First Nations to find a solution. Instead, the Premier had his Minister read them a prepared statement at the same time the changes he already decided upon were being announced to the public.

These tax agreements provided First Nations with the opportunity to create businesses which employed not only members of the First Nation communities but created jobs for many people in surrounding communities in addition to support for local businesses and suppliers. Offering First Nations the tools to help them grow and prosper is the right thing to do.

The Official Opposition is deeply disappointed with Premier Higgs’s decision and the disrespect he continues to show First Nations communities and their leadership.”

Lisa Harris

Official Opposition critic for Aboriginal Affairs