First Nations Tax Commission partners with the Nation Energy Board - Questions and Answers

What is the First Nations Tax Commission?

Established in 2007, the ten-member First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) is a service agency that represents the collective interests of First Nations and taxpayers and is responsible for developing and regulating the First Nation property tax system. The FNTC promotes economic development by enhancing the administrative efficiency and fairness of the First Nation property tax system. Its mission is to help First Nation governments build and maintain fair and efficient First Nation property tax regimes, and to ensure those First Nation communities, and their taxpayers alike, receive the maximum benefit from those systems.

What is the National Energy Board?

The National Energy Board (NEB or Board) is an independent federal agency established in 1959 by the Parliament of Canada to regulate international and interprovincial aspects of the oil, gas and electric utility industries. The purpose of the NEB is to promote safety, environmental protection and economic efficiency in the Canadian public interest within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade. These principles guide NEB staff to carry out and interpret the organization's regulatory responsibilities. The NEB is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources Canada.

What does this Memorandum of Understanding mean in real terms?

The First Nations Tax Commission and the National Energy Board share much in common. For example both organizations hold public hearings in accordance with the rules of natural justice. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will allow the First Nations Tax Commission and the National Energy Board to share their learnings related to holding public hearings. The MOU also lays the foundation for the two organizations to establish joint technical working groups, organize staff exchanges and to pursue other joint activities that promote their mutual objectives.

Why are the First Nations Tax Commission and the National Energy Board signing this Memorandum of Understanding?

Both the First Nations Tax Commission and the National Energy Board maintain an ongoing dialogue with their respective stakeholders. This helps ensure that they understand their stakeholders' perspectives, and it builds expertise as regulatory tribunals. Stakeholder partnerships, such as this MOU between the FNTC and the NEB ensure we are able to work collaboratively to help both Boards efficiently implement flexible, risk-based regulation, foster innovation and make the best decisions in the public interest.

Memorandum of Understanding between the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) and the National Energy Board (NEB) (the Parties)