ASR Response to Saskatchewan Budget

Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS®
NEWS RELEASE
Provincial Budget
March 23, 2011
 
Saskatchewan’s REALTORS® praised the Wall government’s new budget for keeping promises made, but cautioned that more innovation is needed as the province grows.
 
“The 65% provincial share of school costs is very positive – a mirror-image reversal from four years ago. But as school property tax goes down, municipal property taxes are back-filling the cuts.
 
“People need lower taxes overall, not just a different government to pay them to.”
 
Mr. Madder said sharing a full point of the PST is a major improvement over the old system of arbitrary handouts, but only half a solution.
 
“Saskatchewan still needs a comprehensive revenue sharing program. Property tax can no longer be the mainstay of municipal finance. It should be limited to paying part of infrastructure costs. It should be based on the value of services, not on property value.  
 
REALTORS® say the $5,000 rental unit subsidy and increased rental supplement allowances are good in principle despite being modest in funding.
 
“Saskatchewan needs a full make-over in housing policy. We need large-scale stimulus for rental supply. We need bold measures to draw private investment into apartments and suites. REALTORS® look forward to the new housing strategy scheduled for June.
 
Mr. Madder noted that limiting property taxes would do much to keep housing affordable. And, and end to taxing the value of property would encourage upgrading.
 
REALTORS®  strongly endorsed the balanced budget, the $325 million pay-down of public debt, the change made in the 3-tier commercial mill rate, and halving the business tax rate.