News Release
November 6, 2006
Government Relations - 788
LEGISLATION PROTECTS SCHOOL DIVISIONS FROM EDUCATION PROPERTY TAX NON-COMPLIANCE
Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen introduced amendments to legislation today that will encourage municipalities to submit education property tax to school divisions in a timely fashion. Current legislation requires municipalities to collect and remit school property taxes. In 2005-06 some Municipalities withheld education property taxes as a way of calling for property tax relief. "Government has a responsibility to the people of Saskatchewan, to the education sector and most importantly to our students, to prevent illegal actions from a minority of municipalities that could impact school divisions and taxpayer's finances," Van Mulligen said. The legislative amendments also include provisions to The Municipal Hail Insurance Act that will protect the municipal hail insurance system. Hail insurance premiums are collected in the same way as education property taxes and are subject to the same discounts and penalties. However, the discount structure adopted by some municipalities to protest school taxes has had an adverse impact on payment of premiums by the Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Insurance Association. "It is in the best interest of all citizens that property tax for education is paid in a timely fashion to school divisions."-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Bill Carney Government Relations Regina Phone: 306-787-6156 Email: bcarney@gr.gov.sk.ca |