432-01022 (Taxation)

We, the undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

1. The residents of Haida Gwaii experience high costs of living due to the remote archipelago's isolated geography;

2. The Northern Residents Deductions were established to provide tax relief to residents of northern and isolated communities, thereby offsetting the higher cost of living and accessing services in these areas;

3. The Northern Residents Deductions were also intended to help employers recruit and retain workers in northern and isolated areas, such as Haida Gwaii;

4. Haida Gwaii residents previously received the maximum allowable Northern Residents Deductions before their benefit was cut in half in 1993.

THEREFORE, we call upon the House of Commons to:

1. Immediately restore the eligibility of Haida Gwaii residents to claim the full amount of the Northern Residents Deductions in recognition of their high cost of living.