Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Backlash from taxpayers convinced a majority of the Cowichan Valley Regional District board to scuttle plans to raise annual taxes by 19 per cent. The board held a new vote Feb. 28, reducing the projected increase to 16 per cent by cutting the amount of money allocated for park acquisition to $958,000 from close to $2.5 million. The higher amount for parks was approved at the end of budget discussion, but some directors said they were ready to change their minds . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

... Although home prices are directly tied to property taxes, your own home’s value isn’t the only factor involved. Just as important is the value of other properties in your municipality. Two years ago, amid spiking home values, we explained that a homeowner could see their tax bills decrease even if their property values rose. Today, the reverse is true: most people whose homes decreased in value will still pay higher taxes next year. This is because property taxes aren’t set like income taxes ... CLICK HERE for the full story

VICTORIA (February 24, 2020) – The NDP introduced legislation today that claims to provide property tax relief to businesses, however, the proposed solution is not what small businesses, local governments and many other stakeholders were asking for, which was ending the tax on unused airspace. “ A broad coalition of stakeholders — including small businesses, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and non-profits — have been collaborating for years on a solution to rising property taxes. What they all agreed on was the need for the province to allow for split-assessment, which is provided for in the bill that I introduced in the Legislature last fall, and re-introduced again last week ,” said BC Liberal Critic for Housing Todd Stone. “ Instead of adopting a flexible, common sense and widely supported solution, Housing Minister Selina Robinson has turned her back on local businesses and proposed legislation that doesn’t actually take action to address skyrocketi...

The Manitoba government set out its key priorities to move Manitoba forward with guaranteed tax relief, job growth, health-care investments, education reform, and climate action in the speech from the throne, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.  Delivered by the Chief Justice Richard J.F. Chartier at the opening of the second session of the 42nd legislature, the speech from the throne is an ambitious agenda with over 100 initiatives and at least 20 new bills planned for introduction. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister “ Manitobans gave us a renewed mandate to keep moving our province forward and build on our first-term success in fixing the finances, repairing our services and rebuilding the economy ,” said Pallister.  “ Today’s speech from the throne is our roadmap to build a new Manitoba where young people will stay and fulfil their dreams, where families and seniors will enjoy peace and security, and where entrepreneurs and risk takers will find opportunitie...