News Release

HRM to Dexter Government: A Deal is A Deal, Respect the Fair Tax Agreement

(Friday, April 29, 2011) – Mayor Peter Kelly, on behalf of Halifax Regional Council and HRM, today launched a campaign urging the Dexter Government to respect the fair tax deal between the Province and Nova Scotia municipalities.

“We need residential and commercial taxpayers to join us in telling the Province that A Deal is a Deal,” said Mayor Peter Kelly.

In November 2007, the Province of Nova Scotia signed a landmark agreement with municipalities across Nova Scotia through which the Provincecommitted to absorb millions of dollars in costs, formerly shouldered by municipal taxpayers.

Earlier this month, the Dexter government tabled legislation that – if passed – will effectively nullify the deal,costing HRM taxpayers $46 million more over the next four years as more money is directed toward provincial expenditures.

Today, Mayor Kelly launched a multi-media campaign including a YouTube video and an online petition, calling on the Dexter government to respect the deal with municipalities. The Mayor also urged residential and commercial taxpayers to join with HRM in holding the Dexter Government to the 2007 deal.

“We had a fair deal: one that recognized property taxes should be spent on municipal programs and services – like police, firefighters, better streets, parks and playgrounds - rather than being collected to offset provincial costs.“

To find out more about A Deal is a Deal, please visit www.Halifax.ca and follow the link to A Deal is a Deal to learn how to get involved.

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Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010