Mr. Chairman, band residents on band lands do not have to pay municipal property taxes. The federal government pays a grant in lieu to the territorial government.

A number of committee members reported that some Indian Affairs branch lands or IAB lands are now being taxed. There is no evidence that those IAB lands in question have been transferred from the federal to the territorial government. This has been an ongoing issue with many of the committee members and to date, nothing has been clarified or concluded on this matter.

The department replied that they are aware the federal government is no longer paying taxes on IAB lands. Department officials added that they are not aware of any collection action being undertaken and will clarify this taxation matter with the Department of Finance. The department will report back to the committee on this issue. The Minister informed the committee that if the government cannot find confirmation that this is Commissioner's land, then the government will not be taxing anyone residing on those lands.