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Northern Ontario first nation blocks train tracks over HST

Batchewana Chief says there’s no reason exemption for first nations can’t begin in July instead of September

Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. — The Canadian Press Published on Monday, Jun. 21, 2010 1:09PM EDT

Posted Globe and Mail

Members of the Batchewana First Nation are blocking the railway track in front of their band office in northern Ontario over the HST.

They are blocking trains running between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.

The federal and Ontario governments have agreed to give the province's first nations a point-of-sale exemption from the blended sales tax that begins July 1.

But the exemption won't be in place until September, and talks are underway on how to deal with the HST in July and August.

Batchewana Chief Dean Sayers says there's no reason the exemption can't take effect July 1.

Other first nations had planned protests over the HST but cancelled the demonstrations after the exemption plan was announced last week.