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CBC
22-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Manitoba gives homeowners more time to declare primary residences after some didn't get property tax credit
The Manitoba government is giving people more time to declare their primary residence to get up to $1,500 back on their annual property tax bill, after some homeowners didn't get a promised credit. In a memo sent to the City of Winnipeg, the province said it will extend the time frame for principal residence owners in Winnipeg to declare their eligibility for the homeowners affordability tax credit — which reduces the education portion of their property taxes — and get the value of that credit for this tax year. The City of Winnipeg will continue to accept additional self-declaration forms from eligible property tax owners for this year until Nov. 25, the memo said. Residential property owners should review their property tax bills to confirm whether they got the credit. A notice to potentially affected homeowners will be sent by the city, and questions can be directed to its assessment and taxation department. A separate bulletin for all other municipalities will be issued by the province later this week, the memo said. Finance Minister Adrien Sala said earlier this week there was a problem with some homeowners not registering their properties as their primary residence — which is a condition to get the credit — and put part of the blame on municipal governments, as the province faced questions about its property tax reforms. "We know that some municipalities were more effective at communicating with residents than others, and in some instances, we are seeing individuals who did not register their residence as their principal residence," Sala said. During Winnipeg's city council meeting Thursday morning, Mayor Scott Gillingham said city staff were "working closely" with the provincial government to ensure homeowners who missed the tax credit on their bills can still get the money this year. "We're all aware the provincial government has made some significant changes to school taxes this year," Gillingham said. City staff worked over the long weekend on the issue, he said. "We continue to work with the province to try to help them find a solution for this." The memo from the province said if an eligible Winnipeg homeowner submits an application and isn't on the monthly tax instalment payment plan (TIPP), a credit will be applied to their account or a cheque will be issued. Residents on the instalment plan may get payments adjusted to incorporate the equivalent value of the tax credit, or a cheque will be issued, if the tax credit amount is greater than the current property taxes owing, the memo said. The issue is the latest flare-up in a political battle over education property taxes. Unlike some other provinces, Manitoba has a dedicated property tax to help fund schools. The NDP government, elected in 2023, eliminated a system implemented by the former Tory government that provided a 50 per cent rebate to residential property owners and an additional $350 credit for people's primary residence. In its place, the NDP introduced a maximum $1,500 credit that, unlike the previous rebate, does not rise with higher property values and is not available to cottages, apartment buildings and other properties not occupied by the owner as a primary residence. The NDP has touted the move as a tax saving for most Manitobans, because the credit can eliminate education property taxes for lower-value homes. But overall, the government estimated it would pay out $148 million less in the initial year, and that figure would rise as annual property taxes increase. The Tories have said it's a tax hike for a large number of people.
Winnipeg Free Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Terribly unfair': some homeowners slam province after property tax rebate left off bill
The NDP government was on the hot seat Tuesday after some homeowners complained they did not receive the promised $1,500 tax credit on their property tax bill. During question period, the Progressive Conservatives cited several examples of residents who did not receive the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit on their bills, which were mailed out May 8. Residents have been hit with higher bills this year thanks to increased property and school taxes. The new credit replaced the previous 50 per cent education property tax rebate. Finance critic Lauren Stone called the government rollout of the credit 'sloppy.' Finance Minister Adrien Sala dodged questions in the house about how many eligible Manitoba homeowners didn't receive the credit. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Finance Minister Adrien Sala dodged questions in the house Tuesday about how many eligible Manitoba homeowners didn't receive the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit on their bill. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Finance Minister Adrien Sala dodged questions in the house Tuesday about how many eligible Manitoba homeowners didn't receive the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit on their bill. 'This is incredibly important that people get that $1,500 benefit as quickly as possible,' Sala said after question period. 'We know Manitobans are facing affordability challenges and that was the reason why we brought this measure forward.' One senior who contacted the Free Press said she and her husband did not receive the rebate while another nearby homeowner did. 'It seems terribly unfair, seeing that this was touted by the NDP as being a universal credit,' said a Southland-area woman who spoke on the condition of anonymity. 'There's no reason for some people to get it and some people not.' Last year, their Winnipeg property tax bill was $5,279 after the 50 per cent rebate was applied. This year, their bill is $7,727. Sala said it appears those who didn't receive the $1,500 credit hadn't registered their home as their personal residence with the city or municipality. Last year's 50 per cent rebate went to all residential property owners; this year's credit only goes to the owner of a principal residence. 'In some instances we are seeing individuals who did not register their residence as a principal residence that are not able to access that $1,500 credit,' the finance minister said. 'Our message to Manitobans is that we're being made aware of this challenge and we're going to make sure that we get that $1,500 credit into your hands, as it should be.' 'It seems terribly unfair, seeing that this was touted by the NDP as being a universal credit.'–Senior who did not receive the rebate The senior in Southland said they've lived in their home for five years and doesn't recall having to apply for or register their home as their principal residence. She said she contacted the city and her MLA and was sent an email with a form to fill out. She was told they can apply for it next year and, in the meantime, they could claim the $1,500 when they file their income tax. The PC finance critic said they've heard from dozens of homeowners who had received a rebate in the past. 'This year, they're seeing no rebates, no credit on their bill,' Stone said. They're required to pay their full tax bill then claim it next year on their income taxes, she said. 'A lot of individuals don't have those extra hundreds of dollars, thousands of dollars sitting around with the cost of living right now,' the member for Midland said. 'As we have been saying for a number of months, this was going to be a big problem when the NDP removed that 50 per cent property tax rebate. This was sloppy planning. And now we're seeing the results of those sloppy decisions made by the NDP government.' MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES PC Finance critic Lauren Stone called the government rollout of the credit 'sloppy.' MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES PC Finance critic Lauren Stone called the government rollout of the credit 'sloppy.' Another Winnipeg homeowner, Dave Routhier, said he was shocked when he opened his bill, which was $1,300 more than last year. 'We're blessed that we are able to absorb the impact to our cash flow … but individuals that cannot — lower-income individuals, people on fixed incomes, retirees — it's a huge hit to them,' Routhier said. Sala was asked who was responsible for informing Manitobans that they needed to register their principal residence with the city or municipality to receive the credit. 'In some instances, for example, in Winnipeg, residents didn't get that communication maybe as effectively as they should have,' Sala said. City councillor Jeff Browaty pushed back. 'It's a provincial tax credit program so it really is incumbent, I think, on the province to publicize this,' Browaty said. Sala said the province isn't responsible for school divisions raising education property taxes by as much as 26 per cent (in East St. Paul) — and that 'now is not a time to be raising costs on Manitobans. ' Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. He said the former PC government was 'not a good partner' to school divisions. 'They were not investing at levels that were required. We came in and we've invested meaningfully to our education system to make sure our kids can succeed.' Alan Campbell, president of the Manitoba School Boards Association, said many boards have lost significant spending power over the last decade due to austerity measures and inflationary pressures. The sitting government's 'return to local autonomy… is a welcome return,' Campbell said, referring to the province reinstating and supporting school boards' taxing powers. 'School boards go through greater lengths to walk our communities through our budgets — more than any other level of government,' the veteran Interlake School Division trustee said. — with files from Maggie Macintosh and The Canadian Press Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBC
20-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Manitoba homeowners say they aren't getting $1,500 property tax credit promised by province
Social Sharing Some Manitoba homeowners have not received a promised $1,500 credit on their property tax bills, and that has led to sticker shock. Finance Minister Adrien Sala says there was a problem with some homeowners not registering their properties as a principal residence, which is a condition to get the credit. He says the province is working with municipalities on a solution to get the problem fixed so people can get their money soon. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives say the NDP government has already hurt many homeowners by increasing taxes, and the missing credits will cause further strain. The government changed its education property tax system this year, removing a former 50 per cent rebate and replacing it with a fixed-value $1,500 credit. Winnipeg homeowner Dave Routhier says he didn't get the credit, his bill is up $1,300 and all he's been told so far is he can claim the credit on his income taxes next spring.
CTV News
20-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Manitoba government says it's working to get promised tax credit to homeowners
Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala presents the provincial budget in the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Thursday, March 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods WINNIPEG — Some Manitoba homeowners have not received a promised $1,500 credit on their property tax bills, and that has led to sticker shock. Finance Minister Adrien Sala says there was a problem with some homeowners not registering their properties as a principal residence, which is a condition to get the credit. He says the province is working with municipalities on a solution to get the problem fixed so people can get their money soon. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives say the NDP government has already hurt many homeowners by increasing taxes, and the missing credits will cause further strain. The government changed its education property tax system this year, removing a former 50 per cent rebate and replacing it with a fixed-value $1,500 credit. Winnipeg homeowner Dave Routhier says he didn't get the credit, his bill is up $1,300 and all he's been told so far is he can claim the credit on his income taxes next spring. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2025. Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
02-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
WCB's $122-M rebates to to employers misdirected, unions complain
Manitoba's unions are questioning the decision by the Workers Compensation Board to distribute $122 million in rebates to employers — and the NDP's decision to tout the rebates as a way to support those employers during a trade war. 'There are very clear needs for the WCB to do much more to prevent workplace injuries and deaths,' the Manitoba Federation of Labour said in a news release. The provincial government issued a news release Thursday announcing that it has provided approximately $962 million in relief and support for workers and businesses impacted by tariffs from China and the United States. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES It said payroll and retail sales tax deferrals announced March 10 provided businesses approximately $840 million of liquidity for February, March and April. In the release, Finance Minister Adrien Sala said the Workers Compensation Board is issuing $122 million in rebates 'for all employers to support businesses and help keep workers on the job.' 'We are concerned that the NDP government is touting this payout as some sort of business-support program,' MFL president Kevin Rebeck said. 'Last time I checked, the WCB does not have a mandate to provide business subsidies or economic development support. Instead, the WCB's job is to keep workers safe and to support workers and their families with workplace injuries and deaths.' Sala was not available to comment Thursday. The WCB was established in 1917 after passage of the Workers Compensation Act. Injured workers gave up the right to sue employers in exchange for guaranteed no-fault benefits, and employers agreed to fund the system in return for protection from lawsuits. The WCB insures more than 40,000 employers and covers 73 per cent of Manitoba's workforce. It's governed by a board of 10 directors appointed by the provincial government from nominations submitted by labour, employers and the public. The WCB said Thursday eligible employers will receive a credit equivalent to 50 per cent of their 2024 premium. Individual premiums are, in part, based on each employer's claims experience, it said. The $122 million surplus is the result of WCB 'maintaining financial stability due to strong investment and financial management,' the board said. Labour Minister Malaya Marcelino, the minister responsible for the WCB, said the province doesn't tell the board what to do with a surplus. 'This decision was made by the WCB board,' Marcelino said. The government news release touting tax deferrals and WCB rebates 'was an acknowledgment that Manitoba businesses are going through a difficult time right now,' she said. 'It's no secret that there might be a recession coming and it's not an easy time for Manitoba businesses,' she said. Businesses are facing rising input costs, labour shortages and low consumer demand, said Brianna Solberg, prairie spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The CFIB wants legislation mandating that all WCB surplus funds are returned to employers. 'Workers' compensation premiums are one of the most burdensome taxes for small firms because they're profit-insensitive,' said CFIB policy analyst Tyler Slobogian. 'Business owners appreciate getting some of that money back, but they shouldn't have to wait and hope for discretionary rebates.' The federation also wants Manitoba to get rid of the payroll tax, not just defer it. The province is preparing for a 10-year legislative review of the Workers Compensation Act that will hear from workers, the board and employers, Marcelino said. Wednesdays A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future. 'Our goal is always to have labour peace. We can accomplish that by working together and having proper consultation,' she said. 'We do get a lot of concerns from workers about whether or not the WCB is fairly compensating them. It's important that we're standing up for workers' safety, health, their rights.' In 2024, Manitoba recorded 18 workplace-related deaths, the MFL said. In the last decade, there have been 236 fatalities. Manitoba averages about 25,000 workplace injuries a year. In 2023, 25,624 were reported. Rebeck said the WCB surplus would be better spent on preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, deaths and supporting injured workers. Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
