CAPTR

News

• « News Index

Liberal Platform Fails Property Owners:
Property Tax Reform Coalition

September 7, 2007

TORONTO, Sept. 7 /CNW/ - Ontario's million-member Coalition After Property Tax Reform, (CAPTR), says the just-released Ontario Liberal campaign platform fails property owners and at the same time acknowledges the weakness of the Liberal government property tax policy.

CAPTR spokesperson, Bob Topp, notes that while the Liberals have finally recognized that the volatile and unfair property tax system is creating financial hardship for property owners across Ontario, they are applying an unfair and partial fix by promising a homeowners grant for seniors who have trouble paying their taxes, to help them stay in their homes.

"CAPTR is concerned that many people, including working families as well as seniors, may be forced from their homes. The Liberal government has missed its chance to fix the system. First they introduced a four year phase-in of assessment increases that simply gives property owners four years to try to pay for their property tax hike. Now, they've figured out this won't do the job and are admitting that by promising some kind of assistance for seniors."

"The property tax system needs real reform and both the PCs and New Democrats recognize this and have spelled out their plans in their election platforms. It's time the present government got on board and stopped basing property owners' share of the tax burden on a volatile real estate market, concludes Topp.

CAPTR is a coalition of urban, waterfront and seniors groups representing over one million Ontarians. It is calling for a 5% cap on annual assessment increases.

For further information: Bob Topp, (705) 783-3131 or (416) 929-9885.

• « News Index