Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you to all of the people presenting. We really appreciate your input at the committee today.
My first question is for National Chief Bellegarde.
The Canadian Tax Foundation and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada prepared a brief earlier this week that addresses a number of aspects of the new wage subsidy program. It includes the eligibility of first nations businesses.
As I am sure you are aware, the standard model for first nations in Canada to carry on business is through the use of limited partnerships. These limited partnerships operate businesses in all parts of the Canadian economy, including forestry, mining, manufacturing, construction and consumer sales. The effect of the COVID crisis on these companies mirrors that of the general Canadian economy.
The brief indicates that this business model will not qualify for either of the amounts of the wage subsidy programs. If first nations businesses, through their limited partnership models, are excluded from these benefits, I see this as a huge gap in the creation of this wage subsidy. What have you heard from your members in regard to this? Have you had the opportunity to have any conversations with the Minister of Finance about this and how he might address this?