WHEREAS:
The Matsqui First Nation Goods and Services Tax Law, 2013 imposes a value-added tax within the lands described opposite the name of Matsqui in Schedule 1 to the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act;
Section 5 of the Matsqui First Nation Goods and Services Tax Law, 2013 states that the Chief and Councillors of Matsqui, with the approval of the Governing Body, may enter, on behalf of Matsqui, into an administration agreement with Canada in relation to that tax;
The Chief and Councillors have the approval of the Governing Body to enter into this Agreement;
Subsection 5(2) of the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act states that the Minister of Finance, with the approval of the Governor in Council, may enter into an administration agreement in respect of a value-added tax imposed under a first nation law; and
The Minister of Finance has the approval of the Governor in Council to enter into this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
Definitions and Interpretation
1. In this Agreement:
- “Assessment” includes reassessment;
- “Auditor General” means the Auditor General of Canada and includes, where circumstances require, any officer or class of officer authorized by the Auditor General of Canada;
- “Chief” means the elected Chief of Matsqui;
- “Deferred Amount” is a debt due to Canada by Matsqui and means the deferred amount described in clause 22;
- “Entitlement Year” means a calendar year throughout which this Agreement is in effect or, if the Agreement is in effect during only a portion of a calendar year, that portion of the calendar year;
- “Excise Tax Act” means the Excise Tax Act, R.S.C., c. E-15;
- “Federal Act” means the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act, enacted by S.C.2003, c. 15, s. 67;
- “First Nation Law” means the Matsqui First Nation Goods and Services Tax Law, 2013;
- “FNGST” means the tax imposed under the First Nation Law;
- “Governing Body” means the Governing Body of Matsqui established under clause 2.1 of the Matsqui First Nation Custom Election Regulations and Procedures and listed opposite the name of Matsqui in Schedule 1 to the Federal Act;
- “Income Tax Act” means the Income Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1 (5th supp.);
- “Indian” has the same meaning as in subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act;
- “Indian Act” means the Indian Act, R.S.C., c. I-5;
- “Member” has the meaning assigned by the definition “member of a band” in subsection 2(1) of the Indian Act;
- “Minister” means the Minister of Finance and includes, where circumstances require, the Deputy Minister or any officer or class of officer authorized by the Minister of Finance;
- “Minister of National Revenue” means the Minister responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and includes, where circumstances require, the Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency or any officer or class of officer authorized by the Minister responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency or the Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency;
- “Net Tax Attributable” for an Entitlement Year means the amount by which the estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui for that Entitlement Year determined in accordance with Annex A exceeds Canada’s share, if any, of that estimate determined in accordance with Annex B;
- “Prior Estimate Adjustment” means the difference obtained by subtracting from a re-estimate of Net Tax Attributable for an Entitlement Year the immediately preceding estimate or re-estimate of the Net Tax Attributable for that Entitlement Year;
- “Tax Attributable” has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Federal Act; and
- “Working Day” means a day that is not a Saturday or a holiday.
2. Words and expressions not specifically defined in this Agreement will, where they are defined in the Federal Act, have the meaning given to them therein or, if the words and expressions are not defined in the Federal Act, have the meaning assigned by subsection 123(1) of the Excise Tax Act.
3. The Interpretation Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. I-21 applies to this Agreement as if it were an enactment.
4. Where a reference is made in this Agreement to the First Nation Law or any other first nation law that meets the description set out in subsection 11(1) or 12(1) of the Federal Act, or regulations made under the First Nation Law or that other law, the reference shall be read as a reference to that First Nation Law, other law or those regulations, as amended from time to time.
Covenants by Canada
5. Canada agrees that the tax power of Matsqui provided by subsection 4(1) of the Federal Act applies in respect of the FNGST and other amounts imposed under the First Nation Law while this Agreement is in effect and in respect of amounts, other than the FNGST, imposed under the First Nation Law after this Agreement ceases to have effect that relate to amounts imposed while this Agreement was in effect.
6. Canada shall act as the agent for Matsqui in respect of the administration and enforcement of the First Nation Law, and collect the FNGST and other amounts imposed under that law while this Agreement is in effect and amounts, other than the FNGST, imposed under that law after this Agreement ceases to have effect that relate to amounts imposed while this Agreement was in effect.
7. Canada shall account for the amounts collected under the First Nation Law on behalf of Matsqui by estimating the Tax Attributable and Net Tax Attributable to Matsqui and shall make and account for remittances to Matsqui in accordance with this Agreement.
8. Canada and its agents and subservient bodies shall comply with the obligations imposed on them under the First Nation Law, including the obligation to pay and account for the amounts imposed on them under the First Nation Law as if that law were applicable to Canada.
Covenants by Matsqui
9. Matsqui agrees that the obligations, authorities, rights and privileges imposed upon or granted to a person under the First Nation Law shall not depend on whether that person is a Member, an Indian or another person.
10. Matsqui agrees that the First Nation Law shall be consistent with section 11 of the Federal Act. Matsqui shall ensure that the First Nation Law provides the Minister of National Revenue with sufficient authority to administer and enforce that law in accordance with this Agreement, including the authority to collect the FNGST and other amounts imposed under that law.
11. Matsqui shall provide the Minister in a timely manner with a certified true copy of:
- (a) the First Nation Law, following its enactment; and
- (b) any amendment to the First Nation Law, following its enactment.
12. Matsqui and its agents and subservient bodies shall comply with Part IX of the Excise Tax Act, the Federal Act, the First Nation Law and any other first nation law that meets the description set out in subsection 11(1) or 12(1) of the Federal Act.
13. The Matsqui and its agents and subservient bodies shall pay and account for the amounts imposed under Part IX of the Excise Tax Act, the Federal Act, the First Nation Law or any other first nation law that meets the description set out in subsection 11(1) or 12(1) of the Federal Act, except if the amounts are not payable by reason of a separate agreement given effect under an Act of Parliament.
Revenue Estimation
14. The Parties agree to use data outlined in Annex A and Annex B in order to prepare the estimates and re-estimates described below. The Parties recognize, however, that the data available may not be optimal in all instances.
15. Prior to the beginning of each particular Entitlement Year, the Minister shall make, in accordance with the provisions in Annex A, an estimate for that Entitlement Year of the Tax Attributable to Matsqui.
16. The sharing, if any, between Matsqui and Canada of the amount estimated as Tax Attributable to Matsqui for an Entitlement Year will be calculated in accordance with the provisions in Annex B.
17. An estimate of Net Tax Attributable for each particular Entitlement Year shall be made by subtracting, from the estimate of the Tax Attributable to Matsqui determined under Annex A for the particular Entitlement Year, the estimate of Canada’s share, if any, determined under Annex B for that particular Entitlement Year.
18. Not later than the last day of February of the third and fifth calendar years following the particular Entitlement Year, or as soon thereafter as is practical, the Minister shall re-estimate, using the procedure set out in clause 17, the Net Tax Attributable to Matsqui for that particular Entitlement Year for the purpose of calculating in each of those years a Prior Estimate Adjustment for that particular Entitlement Year.
19. The Net Tax Attributable for a particular Entitlement Year shall be final and no further adjustments shall be made following the commencement of remittances incorporating the Prior Estimate Adjustment in respect of the second re-estimate for that year, subject to the Minister incorporating any adjustments that may be required to the second re-estimate as set out in the report prepared by the Auditor General that is referred to in clause 29.
Remittances
20. The Minister shall remit to Matsqui on a monthly basis positive amounts in respect of a particular Entitlement Year determined by the formula:
[(A – B) / D] + [C / D]
- where
A is the amount estimated under clause 15 for that particular Entitlement Year;
B is the amount of Canada’s share determined under clause 16 for that particular Entitlement Year;
C is the sum of the current Prior Estimate Adjustments made in respect of any of the five Entitlement Years immediately preceding that particular Entitlement Year that are open for re-estimation and adjustment or, if there are fewer than five Entitlement Years preceding the particular Entitlement Year, in respect of all the Entitlement Years immediately preceding the particular Entitlement Year that are currently open for re-estimation and adjustment; and
D is the number of months anticipated to be in that particular Entitlement Year.
21. If the result of the formula in clause 20 in respect of a particular Entitlement Year is negative, that amount multiplied by the number of months anticipated in the formula to be in that Entitlement Year is a debt due to Canada payable by Matsqui, subject to clause 22, within that Entitlement Year.
22. If the sum of the Prior Estimate Adjustments in the formula in clause 20 results in a reduction to the remittances in respect of a particular Entitlement Year that is equal to or greater than 20 percent of Net Tax Attributable to Matsqui for that year, Matsqui may defer the repayment of a portion, agreed to by the Parties (hereinafter referred to as the “Deferred Amount”), of the total of the Prior Estimate Adjustments and, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the Deferred Amount will be repaid to Canada by Matsqui during the two Entitlement Years following the particular Entitlement Year.
23. Canada shall retain as its property an amount imposed under the First Nation Law if that amount:
- (a) is not Tax Attributable to Matsqui; or
- (b) is included in Canada’s share of the estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui in accordance with clause 16.
24. Prior to each particular Entitlement Year, or as soon thereafter as is practical, the Assistant Deputy Minister or any authorized officer or class of officer of the Tax Policy Branch of the Department of Finance shall provide Matsqui with a written statement for review concerning remittances in respect of that Entitlement Year that includes the following information:
- (a) the estimated Tax Attributable to Matsqui for that year, as determined under clause 15;
- (b) Canada’s share of the estimated Tax Attributable to Matsqui for that year, as determined under clause 16;
- (c) the Prior Estimate Adjustments, if any, included in determining the remittances for that year;
- (d) Deferred Amounts, if any, included in determining the remittances for that year;
- (e) the Population of Relevance for that year as defined in and for the purposes of Annex B; and
- (f) the remittances for that year.
25. The first remittance made to Matsqui in respect of a particular Entitlement Year shall be made on or before the last Working Day of the month following the first month of that particular Entitlement Year or as soon thereafter as is practical. Subsequent remittances in respect of the particular Entitlement Year shall be made on or before the last Working Day of each month thereafter, or as soon thereafter as is practical, for the number of months equal to one less than the number of months in that particular Entitlement Year.
26. The Parties agree that, in respect of FNGST that is imposed while this Agreement is in effect, the Minister may pay to a person any refund, rebate or other amount that is payable in accordance with the First Nation Law.
27. If no amount is held on behalf of Matsqui from which payment under clause 26 may be made in accordance with this tax administration agreement, or the amount of the payment exceeds the amount so held, Canada agrees to make the payment as a recoverable advance and Matsqui agrees that the advance shall be recovered against amounts of FNGST subsequently collected on behalf of Matsqui.
28. In the event that this Agreement is terminated, unless the Parties agree otherwise:
- (a) the remittance in the month in which the Agreement is terminated will remain the same as set out in the last written statement provided under clause 24 prior to termination;
- (b) the remittance in the month that follows the month in which the Agreement is terminated will be adjusted as required to reflect the termination of the Agreement; and
- (c) re-estimations and prior estimate adjustments for Entitlement Years that would have remained open for re-estimation if the Agreement continued in effect will continue as if the Agreement were in effect and the Minister will continue to pay or recover adjustments until the Net Tax Attributable for the Entitlement Year in which the Agreement is terminated is final, subject to the Minister paying or recovering, as the case may be, any adjustments that may be required for the second re-estimate for the Entitlement Year in which the Agreement is terminated, as set out in the report prepared by the Auditor General for that Entitlement Year.
Reporting
29. The Minister shall provide Matsqui with each report prepared by the Auditor General concerning the final determination, in accordance with clause 19, of Net Tax Attributable to Matsqui for each Entitlement Year and the remittances in respect of each Entitlement Year.
30. The statements provided under clause 24 and the reports provided under clause 29 shall be the only statements or reports provided to Matsqui by Canada in respect of amounts collected in accordance with this Agreement.
31. The procedures carried out to prepare the Auditor General’s reports will be determined by the Auditor General and will constitute the only procedures conducted by Canada with respect to the reporting obligations in connection with the determination of amounts as provided for in this Agreement. Matsqui agrees that it has no right to inspect the books and records of Canada in connection with this Agreement.
32. Unless the Parties agree otherwise, if a report prepared by the Auditor General in accordance with clause 29 indicates that the remittances for a particular Entitlement Year including the Prior Estimate Adjustments based on the re-estimates in respect of the particular Entitlement Year should be adjusted, the adjustment shall be incorporated as soon thereafter as is practical into the remittances in respect of an Entitlement Year that follows the particular Entitlement Year.
Administration
33. The Parties agree that the Minister of National Revenue shall have and may exercise all the powers of Matsqui relating to the administration and enforcement of the First Nation Law, including the collection of the FNGST and other amounts imposed under that law while this Agreement is in effect and the collection of amounts, other than the FNGST, imposed under that law after this Agreement ceases to have effect that relate to amounts imposed while this Agreement was in effect.
34. Matsqui agrees that the Minister of National Revenue shall be the administrative authority in respect of the FNGST, including all interpretations, Assessments, determinations, decisions, and any other matter related to administration, collection or enforcement.
35. Canada shall administer the First Nation Law free of charge for Matsqui and Canada shall pay the costs, charges or expenses (including amounts in respect of prosecutions or other legal proceedings, other than amounts referred to in clause 37) that are incurred by Canada in the administration and enforcement of the First Nation Law and the collection of the FNGST and other amounts imposed under that law.
36. Canada shall retain interest and penalties that are imposed under the First Nation Law and collected by the Minister of National Revenue.
37. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, Matsqui shall pay its own costs, charges and expenses incurred in relation to litigation to which Matsqui becomes a party, either voluntarily or because a party other than Canada requires it, relating to the validity of this Agreement, the Federal Act or the First Nation Law.
38. If this Agreement ceases at any time to have effect, the Minister of National Revenue shall continue after that time to assess, collect or pay, as the case requires, amounts payable under the First Nation Law in respect of the period in which this Agreement was in effect and amounts, other than the FNGST, imposed under that law after this Agreement ceases to have effect that relate to amounts imposed while this Agreement was in effect.
39. The Minister of National Revenue may provide to Matsqui information acquired in the administration and enforcement of the First Nation Law or, subject to section 295 of the Excise Tax Act, Part IX of the Excise Tax Act. Such information shall be provided free of charge.
40. Matsqui, subject to any applicable confidentiality or privacy obligations, shall provide to Canada, free of charge, information that it acquires that could assist in the administration and enforcement of the First Nation Law, the collection of amounts payable under that law, or the estimation of payments to be made under this Agreement. Canada agrees that any information made available by Matsqui will not be used for any purpose other than the purpose for which it was provided.
41. Except in its capacity as a registrant or a person required to pay or entitled to receive amounts under the First Nation Law, Matsqui shall accept as final and binding all interpretations, Assessments, determinations, decisions, and other actions made or taken by the Minister of National Revenue for the purposes of the First Nation Law.
42. For the purposes of section 8 of the Federal Act, the Parties agree that the authorized body, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the First Nation Law, is authorized to certify the First Nation Law to be a true copy and evidence that the law was duly enacted by the Governing Body.
Matsqui Law
43. Canada shall notify Matsqui in writing that the First Nation Law requires amendment, where, in the opinion of the Minister, the First Nation Law does not:
- (a) comply with this Agreement;
- (b) provide the Minister of National Revenue with authority sufficient to administer and enforce that law and to collect amounts imposed under that law;
- (c) admit of sufficient uniformity as between the administration and enforcement of Part IX of the Excise Tax Act and the First Nation Law; or
- (d) respect the covenants set out in clauses 9 or 10.
44. Upon receipt of the notice referred to in clause 43, the Chief of Matsqui agrees to propose forthwith to the Governing Body an amendment to the First Nation Law.
45. The Parties agree that if the First Nation Law is not amended to rectify the deficiencies identified in the notice referred to in clause 43, the Minister may terminate this Agreement:
- (a) forthwith, where that notice provides that the First Nation Law does not respect the covenants set out in clauses 9 or 10; or
- (b) in any other case, not less than six months following receipt of the notice.
Repeal of First Nation Law
46. Unless the Minister agrees otherwise, Matsqui shall provide the Minister with at least six months notice of the date on which it intends to repeal the First Nation Law, and shall provide the Minister with notice that the First Nation Law has been repealed within 10 days following the repeal.
Dispute Resolution
47. In the event of a dispute between the Parties arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, other than disputes in respect of clause 9, 10, 41, 44, 45, 53 or 54, the Parties shall follow the procedure set out in subclauses (a) through (e) before pursuing other legal remedies.
- (a) Within 30 days of either the Minister or the Chief receiving written notice from the other of a dispute under this Agreement, the Parties will convene a first meeting to attempt in good faith to settle the dispute.
- (b) If, within 60 days after the meeting referred to in subclause (a), the Parties have failed to resolve the dispute, they will submit the dispute to a jointly selected mediator and share equally the costs of that mediation.
- (c) If, after 30 days following the period referred to in subclause (b), the Parties are unable to agree on the choice of a mediator, the matter will be referred to a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia who will be asked to select at his or her discretion a mediator from a list of four candidates, each Party having nominated two candidates out of the four proposed.
- (d) The Parties agree to participate in good faith in the mediation process for a period of 60 days.
- (e) The Parties may mutually determine time periods other than those referred to in subclauses (a) to (d).
48. The Parties agree that a decision arising from the dispute resolution process under clause 47 concerning a dispute in respect of the amount of money due to either Party for an Entitlement Year shall be implemented, notwithstanding clause 19, if written notice of the dispute is provided at any time during the period that begins at the beginning of the Entitlement Year and ends at the end of the sixth month in the fifth calendar year following the Entitlement Year.
49. The Parties may mutually determine time periods other than those referred to in clause 47.
Amendment
50. Either Party may at any time request the other Party to review this Agreement and to consider amendments to this Agreement.
51. Subject to any applicable approvals, authorizations or legislative requirements, the Parties may, in writing, amend or vary this Agreement.
Termination
52. The Parties may mutually agree to terminate this Agreement at any time on such terms as may be agreed upon by the Parties.
53. Matsqui may terminate this Agreement by giving the Minister not less than six months written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement, including the date upon which this Agreement shall end.
54. Except where clause 45 applies, the Minister may terminate this Agreement by giving Matsqui not less than six months written notice of the Minister’s intention to terminate the Agreement, including the date upon which this Agreement shall end.
No Assignment
55. This Agreement or the rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned, either in whole or in part, by either Party.
Saving
56. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict, or be construed as limiting or restricting, Canada’s right to alter or vary, in such manner as Canada may determine, the Federal Act or Part IX of the Excise Tax Act.
57. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute or be construed as constituting an undertaking by Canada to collect the FNGST or any other amount payable under the First Nation Law or to take any action with respect to the collection of those amounts where Canada has provided notice that, in the opinion of the Minister, a doubt exists that Matsqui has provided sufficient statutory or other authority for the imposition or collection of those amounts.
58. Where Canada does not collect the FNGST or any other amount payable under the First Nation Law by reason of there being, in the opinion of the Minister, doubtful authority to do so and notice has been served in accordance with clause 43, the amount that, in the opinion of the Minister, Canada has thereby failed to collect but that has been taken into account in determining a payment to Matsqui made under this Agreement may be recovered by Canada as a debt due to Canada by Matsqui, notwithstanding that such payment was made to Matsqui as if there were sufficient authority.
Term
59. The effective date of this Agreement is the fourteenth day following the latter of the dates when it is signed by the Parties.
60. This Agreement shall end:
- (a) in the case of termination in accordance with clause 52, on the date agreed to by the Parties; or
- (b) in the case of termination by Matsqui in accordance with clause 53, on the date specified in the notice given by Matsqui; or
- (c)in the case of termination by Canada in accordance with clause 54, on the date specified in the notice given by Canada; or
- (d) in the case of termination by Canada in accordance with clause 45, on the date determined in accordance with clause 45.
Signature
61. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original and such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument and this Agreement shall be effective on the date set out in clause 59. Facsimile and scanned signatures shall be accepted the same as original signatures.
Signed on this 20th day of March, 2013, for Matsqui First Nation:
Originally signed by:
Chief Alice McKay
Councillor Brenda Morgan
Councillor Louis Julian
Signed on this 7th day of May, 2013, for the Government of Canada:
Originally signed by:
Minister of Finance James M. Flaherty
Annex A – Simplified Revenue Estimation Method
1. In this annex:
- “Census” means a census of population or a voluntary, national household survey conducted by Statistics Canada in respect of a province, territory or First Nation, as the circumstances may require;
- “Final Estimate” means an estimate that is not subject to re-estimation or adjustment and that is based on data that are published as final data or otherwise deemed to be final by the agency that provides the data;
- “GST Credit” means an amount equivalent to the aggregate of all amounts that are deemed, under section 122.5 of the Income Tax Act, to have been paid in respect of a calendar year by individuals that are, for the purposes of that Act, residing within British Columbia; and
- “Interim Estimate” means an estimate that is subject to re-estimation or adjustment and that incorporates data other than final data or data that are deemed to be final.
2. In this Agreement, Interim and Final Estimates of Tax Attributable to Matsqui for an Entitlement Year shall be determined as follows:
ETAMatsqui = NetGST * RELPOP * RELINC * (DEY / DCY)
- where
- ETAMatsqui is an Interim Estimate or Final Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui;
- NetGST is the net amount of GST for British Columbia for that Entitlement Year less an amount equal to the GST Credit for British Columbia for that Entitlement Year, both of which amounts are as determined in accordance with clause 3 of this annex;
- RELPOP, as determined in accordance with clause 4 of this annex, means the number of individuals of age 15 years and older residing, on December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the Entitlement Year, within the lands where the First Nation Law applies divided by the total population of individuals of age 15 years and older residing, on December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the Entitlement Year, within British Columbia;
- RELINC, as determined in accordance with clause 5 of this annex, means the average income of individuals residing, on December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the Entitlement Year, within the lands where the First Nation Law applies divided by the average income of individuals residing, on December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the Entitlement Year, within British Columbia;
- DEY is the number of days in the Entitlement Year; and
- DCY is the number of days in the calendar year that includes the Entitlement Year.
3. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties:
- (a) for the purpose of making an Interim Estimate of NetGST for an Entitlement Year, the net amount of GST for British Columbia for that Entitlement Year shall be based on preliminary Provincial Input-Output Tables (“PIOTs”) prepared by Statistics Canada for the calendar year that includes that Entitlement Year or, where preliminary PIOTs are not available for the calendar year that includes the Entitlement Year, on preliminary or final PIOTs for other years together with any adjustments that the Minister believes will yield a more accurate estimate of the net amount of GST for British Columbia for that Entitlement Year;
- (b) for the purpose of making the Final Estimate of NetGST for an Entitlement Year, the net amount of GST for British Columbia for that Entitlement Year shall be based on the final PIOTs prepared by Statistics Canada for the calendar year that includes that Entitlement Year;
- (c) for the purpose of making an Interim Estimate of NetGST for an Entitlement Year, an Interim Estimate of the GST Credit for that Entitlement Year shall be based on the Canada Revenue Agency’s Interim or Final Estimate for British Columbia in respect of the calendar year that includes that Entitlement Year or, where Interim or Final Estimates in respect of the calendar year that includes the Entitlement Year are not available, on the Interim or Final Estimates for other years together with any adjustments that the Minister believes will yield a more accurate estimate of the GST Credit for that Entitlement Year; and
- (d) for the purpose of making the Final Estimate of NetGST for an Entitlement Year, the Final Estimate of the GST Credit for that Entitlement Year shall be based on the tax administration data applicable to British Columbia for the calendar year that includes that Entitlement Year as provided by the Canada Revenue Agency for public use as, or as otherwise deemed by the Canada Revenue Agency to be, the final GST Credit statistics in respect of the calendar year that includes that Entitlement Year.
4. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties:
- (a) Interim and Final Estimates of RELPOP for an Entitlement Year shall be based on data obtained from a Census;
- (b) subject to subclause (c), where the Final Estimate of RELPOP is based on data obtained from a Census, the Census data shall be used for determining the Final Estimate of RELPOP for all Entitlement Years in the period that begins two years before and ends two years after the year in which the Census is conducted; and
- (c) as a transitional measure, the Interim Estimate of RELPOP used in making the first Interim Estimate of ETAMatsqui for each of the first five Entitlement Years covered by this Agreement shall not be re-estimated or adjusted when subsequent Interim Estimates or Final Estimates are made in respect of each of those Entitlement Years.
5. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties:
- (a) Interim and Final Estimates of RELINC for an Entitlement Year shall be based on regional income data or data obtained from a Census;
- (b) subject to subclause (c), where the Final Estimate of RELINC is based on data obtained from a Census, the Census data shall be used for determining the Final Estimate of RELINC for all Entitlement Years in the period that begins two years before and ends two years after the year in which the Census is conducted; and
- (c) as a transitional measure, the Interim Estimate of RELINC used in making the first Interim Estimate of ETAMatsqui for each of the first five Entitlement Years covered by this Agreement shall not be re-estimated or adjusted when subsequent Interim Estimates or Final Estimates are made in respect of each of those Entitlement Years.
6. In deciding whether the use of data other than data mentioned in clause 4 or 5 would be more appropriate for estimating RELPOP or RELINC, consideration shall be given to:
- (a) biases and measurement errors affecting data quality;
- (b) frequency of the data collection;
- (c) the extent to which the data represent the populations described in the definitions of RELPOP and RELINC;
- (d) verifiability by third parties;
- (e) availability at reasonable cost; and
- (f) consistency of data sources with those used in other tax administration agreements that are similar to this Agreement.
Annex B – Revenue Sharing Mechanism
1. In this annex:
- “Average Net GST Per Canadian” (AvNetGSTpC) for an Entitlement Year is the total amount of net GST for Canada for that Entitlement Year divided by the total population of Canada for that Entitlement Year, where:
- (a) the net GST for Canada for the Entitlement Year is determined in accordance with paragraphs 3(a) and (b) of Annex A, with such modifications that are required in the circumstances to reflect national rather than provincial or territorial circumstances; and
- (b) the total population for Canada for the Entitlement Year is the population for Canada published by Statistics Canada in respect of the calendar year that includes the Entitlement Year;
- “DCY” is the number of days in the calendar year that includes the Entitlement Year;
- “DEY” is the number of days in the Entitlement Year;
- “Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui,” for an Entitlement Year is an Interim or Final Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui for that Entitlement Year determined pursuant to Annex A;
- “Population of Relevance” (PofR) for an Entitlement Year is the sum of:
- (a) the number, as agreed by the Parties, of Members residing, at December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the Entitlement Year, within the lands where the First Nation Law applies, and
- (b) the number, as agreed by the Parties, of Indians residing, at December 31 of the calendar year immediately preceding the Entitlement Year, within the lands where the First Nation Law applies, who are not Members;
- “Threshold 1” for an Entitlement Year is an amount equal to:
2 * (AvNetGSTpC) * (PofR) * (DEY / DCY);
- “Threshold 2” for an Entitlement Year is an amount equal to:
8 * (AvNetGSTpC) * (PofR) * (DEY / DCY).
2. For each estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui for an Entitlement Year, Canada’s share shall be determined as follows:
Canada’s share = [(0.00 * A) + (0.50 * B) + (0.95 * C)]
- where
- A is the lesser of Threshold 1 and the Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui, for that Entitlement Year;
B is
- (a) the result obtained by subtracting Threshold 1 from Threshold 2, for that Entitlement Year, where the Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui is greater than or equal to Threshold 2, for that Entitlement Year,
- (b) the result obtained by subtracting Threshold 1 from the Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui, for that Entitlement Year, where the Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui is greater than Threshold 1 but less than Threshold 2, for that Entitlement Year, and
- (c) nil in any other case; and
- C is
- (a) the result obtained by subtracting Threshold 2 from the Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui, for that Entitlement Year, where the Estimate of Tax Attributable to Matsqui is greater than Threshold 2, for that Entitlement Year, and
- (b) nil in any other case.
