FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 January 2011
Ontario Seniors Can No Longer Afford Dalton McGuinty
MPP Peter Shurman heeds call
(Thornhill) –MPP Peter Shurman has heard the calls from Ontario’s senior community to find relief from the McGuinty government’s unbearable tax burden. On December 1, 2010 Mr. Shurman stood in the legislature and presented Bill 143, Property Tax Deferral Act, which would alleviate the property tax burden on low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities.
“Our population is aging; this is an undisputable fact. Much of the senior population is quite capable of remaining in their own homes. However, thanks to Dalton McGuinty’s poor fiscal management, many of these hard-working residents are forced out of their homes, many of which they have lived in for years.” Shurman said. He believes there’s a no-cost way of alleviating this heavy load.
“By mandating property tax deferrals for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities, we are assuring that the most vulnerable members of our community are able to remain in their own homes and maintain the level of dignity that they are entitled to,” Shurman continued.
“Bill 143 is about making Ontario affordable for all Ontarians. Neither low-income seniors nor persons with disabilities should be put at a disadvantage by Dalton McGuinty’s irresponsible policies. They deserve to remain in their own homes,” remarked Mr. Shurman. “Considering that under Dalton McGuinty the wait list for a long-term care bed has more than doubled to over 25,000, it would seem like the only option the McGuinty government has is to support seniors living in their homes longer,” continued Shurman who believes a uniform provincial deferral program is both appropriate and timely.
Peter Shurman’s Bill 143 will allow for uniform provincial property tax deferrals for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities of up to $5000.00 per year. This deferral will be in place until the sale of the home or death of its owner.
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For Media Inquiries Contact:
Debbie Osske
Executive Assistant
Office of Peter Shurman, MPP – Thornhill
(416) 325-1415
debbie.osske@pc.ola.org
www.petershurman.com