BILL 71 – THE EDUCATION PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION ACT
The Manitoba Government has introduced a bill to begin phasing out education tax from
property tax bills, though it is not guaranteed to pass before the end of the spring session.
Bill 71 will allow for a 25% reduction of school tax through a
rebate on farm and residential properties and 10% on other
properties. In future years government may increase these tax
percentages by regulation.
School divisions will receive a $22 million grant to offset the drop
in revenue. However, the Manitoba Government has not said how
they will permanently replace school funding or sustain it.
Even with a substantial provincial budget deficit forecasted, the
government is following through with the promise on this tax
despite the impact of the pandemic, which resulted in a record $2
billion deficit this year, and another $1.6 billion deficit forecasted
for next year.
The Manitoba School Boards Association has registered to speak
on this bill during the committee hearings which are happening on
MONDAY, MAY 10, at 6:00 p.m. Boards and individuals can register
to speak to Bill 71 by visiting the Legislative Assembly website.