The Blood Tribe of Alberta has filed a lawsuit against the Canadian government, seeking tax-exempt status for operating an oil refinery.

The tribe wants to buy the refinery for $50 million (Canadian) and turn it into a reserve. But the lawsuit says the government is holding up the deal by refusing to release the tribe from paying oil excise taxes.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for money the tribe could have earned by operating a refinery. Since 2002, the losses have totaled $150 million, the tribe claims.

Get the Story:
Natives sue feds over refinery tax (The Edmonton Sun 4/1)

Relevant Links:
Blood Tribe - http://www.bloodtribe.org