Casino news source: Hamilton Spectator - http://www.hamiltonspectator.com
Native chiefs reject casino deal
Hamilton Spectator wire services
Toronto (Jun 19, 2007)
Aboriginal chiefs in Ontario have rejected a $2.5-billion, 20-year settlement offer from the province aimed at resolving disputes related to casino and lottery revenues.
The province offered to pay First Nations a 1.6 per cent share of provincial gaming revenues in order to settle disputes over its collection of a 20 per cent tax on gross revenues from Casino Rama, near Orillia. The offer could have amounted to $125 million per year for 20 years, divided among 133 Ontario First Nation communities for health care, education and infrastructure.
But Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse said the offer would compromise First Nations jurisdiction and sovereignty for generations to come. He said aboriginals would have to give up their interest in Casino Rama and abandon a lawsuit claiming more than $2 billion in connection with the casino.
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