Delay the bill so taxpayers can discuss what is happening

Opposition Leader Olive Crane says Opposition MLAs will continue to try and keep government from passing changes to the Real Property Assessment Act until it is brought before the public for more consultation.

The Opposition brought a motion to the floor of the legislature Wednesday asking government to delay passage of the bill and to have it brought before a standing committee of the legislature for further review, but the Liberal members of the legislature voted it down.

“We feel that there is a lot of confusion about what this legislation will mean to Island homeowners and to home buyers. We are simply asking that government give Islanders a chance to have a good close look to determine what its impact will be,” said Crane.

Crane raised several questions in the legislature Wednesday to get clarification on one aspect of the bill that relates to the market value of a home and how it will be assessed.

“Those questions were not answered to our satisfaction and we believe that this government is introducing this legislation simply as a tax grab to help them deal with their ballooning financial deficit,” said Crane.

Crane said she has concerns about the impact this legislation will have on people who have scraped and saved to get a down payment to buy a home and who will suddenly find they have to pay much higher taxes and may no longer be able to afford that home. She also has concerns that the new legislation will deter potential home buyers and therefore cause hardship for those who wish to sell their homes.

Crane said she was shocked to hear Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan describe the amendments to this act as being a “good news story” for Islanders. “I believe that homeowners who receive two taxable values on their spring tax assessments next year will realize very quickly that this is a bad news story.”

Crane said Opposition members will continue to try and keep the bill from being passed in the House.

“I hope that Islanders will let their Premier and his Provincial Treasurer know that this bill needs more scrutiny,” said Crane.