The provincial finance minister sang the praises of his government’s recent budget while in Saint John.
Ernie Steeves addressed the Saint John Region Chamber on Monday at the first in-person lunch event since 2020.
Steeves was asked if he did enough to make property owners and renters happy, to which chuckled and said he wouldn’t be that positive.
He says they tried their best bringing in the one-year rent cap at 3.8 per cent.
“We thought for renters that was going to be good news. And certainly, trying to get rid of this double tax that’s been plaguing these owners for years and years and years. That’s long been a goal of me to get rid of that. We are taking our first step at it,” Steeves said.
He was asked if the property tax reduction only applies to apartment buildings or second homes which are rented out.
Steeves said it will apply to non-owner occupied rental properties, a 50 per cent reduction over three years.
“The other two categories are 15 per cent or five per cent reduction per year over the next three years as well. As I mentioned, that would be farmland, timberland, nursing homes, special care homes and businesses. Whether it’s a corner store you own yourself or a refinery,” Steeves said.
Steeves revealed in his speech that Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder, who represents the riding of Portland-Simonds, tested positive for COVID-19.
Chamber luncheons are back. Finance Minister Ernie Steeves is the guest speaker. pic.twitter.com/58vhGnY3Vw
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) March 28, 2022
