Media Release
For Immediate Release
April 10, 2008
City reminded to be prudent with property tax dollars
(Vancouver, BC) – The Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition is reminding the city to be prudent when finalizing this year’s operating budget and property tax decisions.
According to recently released provincial government data on the cost of service delivery in 2006, Vancouver ’s per-capita spending was second-highest in the Metro Vancouver area at $1,433, after West Vancouver at $1,901 per capita.
“The city needs to continually re-examine its spending, tax levels, and efficiencies within delivering services,” said Bob Laurie, co-chair of the Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition. “Residents and businesses have a common interest – an efficient use of tax dollars so we can truly have a sustainable and civil city.”
While the coalition applauds Mayor Sullivan and the NPA councillors who recently voted in a tax shift over the next five years, the coalition asserts their work is far from over.
“While the shift will begin to address the tax inequity between businesses and residents, the issue is jobs for residents,” continued Laurie. “City council has recognized a vibrant business environment means jobs and a strong commercial tax base. Businesses aren’t looking for a free ride. They agree they should pay more in taxes than residents, but a fair tax distribution is needed.”
This city requires a long-term strategy to retain, grow and attract businesses, both small and large, Laurie noted. Both residents and business should be concerned with recent media stories about the high cost of doing business in Vancouver.
The Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition, a volunteer group representing more than 43,000 local businesses, works to ensure businesses pay a fair share of property taxes and contribute to the sustainability of Vancouver.
View the Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition’s video, “Your Businesses, Your Neighbourhoods, Your City” to hear what some business owners have to say about the consequences and fairness of the high property taxes they pay. The video has also been posted on YouTube.
For media inquiries, contact:
Bob Laurie
Co-chair, Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition
Cell: 604-202-0360
Office: 604-608-5965
bob@boblaurie.com
Bill Rempel
Co-chair, Vancouver Fair Tax Coalition
Office: 604-438-2302
Cell: 604-250-8200
Bill_Rempel@manulife.com
