N.B. government signs new revenue-sharing agreements with Wolastoqey, Mi’kmaq communities

The New Brunswick government and First Nations communities have signed revenue-sharing agreements.

New Brunswick’s First Nation communities have struck revenue-sharing agreements with Premier Susan Holt’s Liberal government in new deals announced Thursday.

The agreements come after the previous Progressive Conservative government under Blaine Higgs cancelled deals in 2021, calling them unfair and unstainable.

Under the new agreements, both Wolastoqey and Mi’kmaq communities with tax revenue below $10 million will see 95 per cent returned.

Wolastoqey communities with tax revenue of $10 million and higher, but below $16 million, will see 70 per cent of revenue returned.

Mi’kmaq communities with tax revenue of $10 million and higher, but below $18 million, will see 70 per cent of revenue returned.

There will be a 50/50 split in returns to the provincial government and Wolastoqey communities with revenue above $16 million, and Mi’kmaq communities with revenue above $18 million.

Premier Holt said the provincial government was projecting a $50 million reduction in revenue from the new agreements.

Several First Nation chiefs made note of improved relations with the provincial government, as the deals were announced.

“You came into office, and you told us you wanted to get to work right away on helping our communities, in terms of this agreement,” said Tobique First Nation Chief Ross Perley, to Premier Holt. “You’re a lady of your word, so kci-woliwon,” (“Thank you very much” in Wolastoqey).

Holt said securing new deals had been a top priority for the government since first being elected, with negotiations spanning about nine months.

“Our government committed on day one to rebuilding relationships with First Nation communities and people,” said Holt. “Today is a step forward along that path.”

Saint Mary’s First Nation Chief Alan Polchies blamed last year’s closure of the Saint Mary’s Supermarket on the revenue-sharing agreement’s cancellation under Blaine Higgs.

“The last three years for our community have certainly been challenging,” said Polchies. “These agreements that were put in place allowed me to give opportunity to my people, the city, and the province.”

The previous revenue-sharing agreement in place since the 1990s saw communities with tax revenue amounting up to $8 million see a return of 95 per cent, and communities with tax revenue of over $8 million see a 70 per cent return.

In a statement responding to Thursday’s announcement, interim Progressive Conservative leader Glen Savoie said it was the official opposition’s hope that people of all First Nations in New Brunswick would benefit equally.

New Brunswick’s Wolastoqey First Nations include:

• Sitansisk (Saint Mary’s)
• Neqotkuk (Tobique)
• Bilijk (Kingsclear)
• Matawaskiye (Madawaska Maliseet)
• Welamukotuk (Oromocto)
• Wotstak (Woodstock)

The province’s Mi’kmaq First Nations include:

• Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation
• Tjipogtotjg (Buctouche) First Nation
• L’nui Menikuk (Indian Island) First Nation
• Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation
• Metepenagiag (Red Bank) First Nation
• Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church) First Nation
• Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau) First Nation
• Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar) First Nation

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