OTTAWA—The newly elected national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Cindy Woodhouse, has pledged support for Ontario Chiefs’ calls for a judicial review of Canada’s carbon pricing system. The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), representing 133 First Nations, initiated the request for a judicial review, citing the carbon tax’s discriminatory nature due to its rebate system being tied to the federal income tax—a system many residing and working on reserves do not use.
The Ontario chiefs assert that the carbon price unfairly impacts Indigenous communities, primarily since its rebate structure does not cater to their needs, unlike other Canadian citizens. Grand Chief Abram Benedict highlighted the disparity, emphasizing that Canadians in other regions receive more rebates than they pay through the carbon tax, which differs for First Nations communities.
Moreover, the court filing by the Chiefs of Ontario and Attawapiskat First Nation underscores the impracticality of alternative technologies like electric vehicles or heat pumps in many Indigenous communities. Additionally, they argue that the tax affects their traditional activities, such as hunting and fishing, raising fuel costs for essential transportation like snowmobiles, vehicles and boats.
The COO and Attawapiskat First Nation filed a judicial review after unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with Canada to alleviate the discriminatory impact of the Greenhouse Gas and Pollution Act (GGPA) on First Nations in Ontario. The GGPA, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is deemed burdensome for First Nations, which are already facing significant economic and infrastructure challenges.
Grand Chief Abram Benedict stressed the need for Canada to collaborate with First Nations, addressing climate challenges without exacerbating affordability issues Indigenous communities face. The judicial review, seen as a last resort, was pursued due to Canada’s refusal to engage in meaningful discussions to resolve the disparities caused by the carbon charge.
The review aims to challenge the disproportionate impact of the carbon pricing system on First Nations and their members, highlighting the need for fair representation and inclusion in policy decisions affecting Indigenous communities.
