FYI everyone………..

From: Mauro_Bill-MPP-CO [mailto:bmauro.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1:49 PM
To: mawiseman@tbaytel.net
Subject: PLT Question - June 4/8

Hello Arlene,
Sorry for the delay getting this to you - the office has been busy with weather related concerns.
PROPERTY TAXATION
Mr. Bill Mauro: My question is for the Minister of Finance. Shortly after the election of 2003, our government made several moves to begin repairing what had been a very fractious relationship between the preceding provincial government and municipalities in Ontario. As a two-term municipal councillor in the city of Thunder Bay, I had direct, first-hand experience with that particular style of government. One of the first things we did to begin repairing that relationship was agree to a request from AMO, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, to which most organized municipalities in the province belong, to review the provincial land tax system for unorganized municipalities or unorganized areas in the province.

Minister, my constituents in Thunder Bay-Atikokan do not feel that they have had an appropriate ability to convey to our government and your ministry the unique circumstances that many people in northwestern Ontario find themselves in when it comes to PLT reform. Can you confirm if a consultation on PLT will be held in Thunder Bay, and if so, when?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: First, allow me to congratulate the member for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, who has been a strong advocate for his community on this issue.

The member will know that in the fall of 2004 we conducted a number of consultations throughout northern Ontario. We met with more than 350 individuals in places like Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden, North Bay and Thunder Bay.

But to the member's specific question, yes, we will do another round of consultations, thanks to your advocacy on that. We will indeed be in Thunder Bay to do that. We will focus on PLT rates, phase-in and new services. I look forward to the member's continuing input on the issue.

1140
Mr. Bill Mauro: There is a significant misconception when it comes to tax rates of people living in unorganized territory within Thunder Bay-Atikokan and other unorganized areas within the province. Many of these people already pay a roads boards tax and/or an education tax. Furthermore, many of those who will be affected by PLT reform are seasonal residents who live full-time within organized municipalities and pay a full-time residential property tax for the services the municipalities provide. They receive, in most circumstances, very limited services for properties that in many cases are 30, 60 or 80 miles away from the nearest organized municipality.

I've been speaking publicly for close to two years on this issue, to at least 1,000 people who share my very serious concern on how PLT reform may affect the affordability of these residences. Minister, can you advise me and my constituents of Thunder Bay-Atikokan about how you envision PLT reform being rolled out and the impact on affordability it is likely to have?

Hon. Dwight Duncan: The member raises very valid concerns. PLT reform is about fairness, so that similar properties will pay similar taxes. We're attempting here to further modernize a property tax system that has not been updated since the 1940s. We hope to create one fair and consistent property assessment system across the province.

Again, in part due to the member' s efforts, any tax changes will be phased in. There have been no final decisions made. That's why we're doing this round of consultations: to get that input. I would like to congratulate the member again on the outstanding contribution he has made in defending the interests of his constituents to ensure that they have fair representation in this process and that their legitimate concerns are taken into account.

Wendy Welch
Office of Bill Mauro, MPP
Thunder Bay-Atikokan
240 S. Syndicate Avenue
Thunder Bay, ON  P7E 1C8
T: (807)623-9237
F: (807)623-4983
e: bmauro.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org