FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2004

LOCAL CITIZENS WANT FAIR TAX POLICIES AND MORE SUPPORT FOR HEALTH CARE
Liberals Missing the Point: Competitive Taxes are Needed to Drive New Investment and Create Jobs

(PETERBOROUGH) As the Liberal Balanced Budget Farewell Tour rolled into Peterborough, Laurie Scott, Conservative MPP for Haliburton-Victoria-Brock, was on hand to lend support to local community proposals that advocate fair taxation policies and renewed investment in the local health care infrastructure. Over the past three weeks, the Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs has heard concerns from several agencies and associations that recent decisions by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to increase assessments on seasonal recreational vehicles and managed forests will have long-term, damaging effects on many Ontario communities.

Today, the Committee heard from the County of Peterborough that more assessment being added to the Managed Forest property class will ultimately result in a decrease in revenue that would threaten many services provided by the County.

“The decision makers at MPAC need to understand all of the implications for rural communities when they make changes to the way property is assesed,” said Scott. “Our rural municipalities should not be forced to cut services or raise property tax rates because MPAC has made decisions without looking at all of the facts. All affected organizations need a voice at the table before these decisions are made.”

MPAC was also the subject of discussion at a recent Committee hearing in Niagara Falls when Conservative members tabled a resolution asking the Minister of Finance to look at taking action to assist campground and recreational vehicle owners. The motion asked that 'the Minister of Finance stop this government’s policy of retroactive taxation, and furthermore place a moratorium on the collection of property tax from owners of recreation vehicles and campground owners until such time as the matter surrounding property tax on recreational vehicles has been resolved.'

“Many owners of campgrounds and seasonal recreational vehicles are being impacted by MPACs decision to assess camp trailers as permanent seasonal residences,” said Scott. “I fully support the motion introduced by my colleagues in Niagara Falls. People should not be expected to pay thousands - and in some cases millions of dollars – in retroactive taxes on their campgrounds and trailers. The government needs to take action immediately to ensure these owners are treated fairly and equitably.”

Today, the Committee also heard from the Peterborough County Medical Society about an innovative pilot project that would allow for coordination of health care services between different agencies and help address the issue of doctor shortages that has affected so many communities in Ontario.

“This proposal would allow local doctors to take on an additional 200 patients each,” said Scott. “This is exactly the type of innovative solution that government should be looking at to help solves the challenges that lie within our health care system. I hope the Liberal members of the Committee took note and will recommend this project to the Ministers of Health and Finance.”

Throughout the Pre-Budget Consultation process, Conservative MPPs will continue to provide real leadership, and ensure that the voices of all Ontarians are heard.

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