FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2004

Ministry of Finance backs down in face of local pressure

(Lindsay) – Laurie Scott, M.P.P. for Haliburton-Victoria-Brock was delighted today to learn that the Ministry of Finance has responded to many local concerns and reversed it’s decision to impose retroactive tax increases on trailer park owners and occupants as well as maple syrup producers.

The government has directed the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (M.P.A.C.) to suspend further changes to the classification of maple syrup producers from farm to industrial use.

The government has also cancelled the retroactive taxation increases to trailer park owners and occupants, which it had implemented in November 2003.

Laurie said, “I was happy to have heard the concerns of the owners and residents of my riding, bring them to the attention of the Ministry of Finance, and help to secure a positive resolution to this unfair situation.”

The government promises to work with the affected groups if future changes are required. Laurie pointed out that “although I am happy that the government has changed these punitive tax measures. If they had consulted with these groups in the first place they could have avoided all the difficulties they have brought to these hard working families.”

“This is a victory for the average person” Laurie said, “this shows that if you can get organized and make enough noise we can get the government to listen.”

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