Jones hopes for court success for fishers affected by license buy-back program

The case of hundreds of fish harvesters fighting to have between $25-30 million of incorrectly paid tax revenues refunded goes to court today and Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones hopes this will be the start of justice finally being served.

Under previous federal tax laws, settlements on the sale of fishery licenses were exempt from tax. Approximately 600-800 fish harvesters were taxed incorrectly by the federal government in the late 1990s and are entitled to receive a collective refund of between $25-30 million. The federal government has refused to admit that the laws were administered incorrectly and have been unwilling to issue any refunds.

“I continue to support the efforts of those affected by the federal government’s decision, including Elizabeth Harvey of Isle aux Morts, who has been a key spokesperson on this issue,” said Ms. Jones. “I am hopeful that the courts will recognize the injustice that has been done to these people and rule to have this money returned to these fish harvesters.

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