VICTORY FOR CLARK, PCs AS DOOR SLAMS SHUT ON HOMEOWNER TAX
(QUEEN’S PARK) – Today, Ontario PC Deputy Leader and Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark scored a major victory for Ontario families who dream of purchasing a home.
Less than a month after Clark tabled a motion against the expansion of the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) and just two days before it was to be debated, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ted McMeekin declared he has closed the door on the issue.
“I’m pleased the minister finally recognized the damage this tax grab would inflict upon Ontario’s economy by making us one of the most uncompetitive jurisdictions in North America to purchase a home,” said Clark.
The tax would have slapped homebuyers with a $10,000 bill due at closing on the average home sold in Ontario.
“It’s frustrating the government didn’t take it off the table when I first asked them to. But I’m proud to have stood up with our Ontario PC Caucus to support the realtors, homebuilders, municipal leaders and homebuyers across the province who spoke out so loudly against the MLTT.”
Indeed, the minister’s announcement today was welcomed by John Meinen, President of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) and Patricia Verge, President of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).
“The Ontario Home Builders’ Association supported MPP Clark’s proposed motion to stop the MLTT. New home purchasers are going to see new neighbour taxes continue to be increased and allowing municipalities to add a municipal land transfer tax would only have made it more difficult for people to find new homes they can afford,” said Meinen.
“Today’s announcement is good news, but we need to do more to ensure homes remain affordable for people to purchase in communities across Ontario.”
Added Verge, “This is a huge win for Ontario’s home owners and those who dream of one day owning a home. It reaffirms that the municipal land transfer tax is a bad revenue tool, not just outside Toronto but in it as well. I would like to also acknowledge MPPs on all sides of the legislature who spoke both publicly and privately against the tax. Your work has helped protect affordable home ownership for future generations.”
Clark first asked the government to shelve any plan to amend the Municipal Act to expand the MLTT beyond Toronto on Oct. 27. When they refused, he tabled his motion against the tax on Nov. 3.
After refusing to agree with Clark’s request when given subsequent opportunities, McMeekin finally relented during Question Period this morning.
In response to a question from a government backbencher, the minister stated: “Let me be clear, there will be no extension of the ability to have a land transfer tax to any municipality.”
Clark said it was a victory won not only by the Opposition at Queen’s Park, but by the thousands of Ontarians who contacted their MPPs and asked them to oppose the tax.
“It is proof that people can make a difference and that their voices can get the government to act,” said Clark. “And it’s also a lesson to the Wynne government to be open to good ideas – even if they come from the other side of the House.”