GOVERNMENT’S ‘GRAVE ERROR’ REVERSAL APPRECIATED

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is to be commended for his recent decision to eliminate the proposed nonresident property tax. It takes a lot of courage to admit that you made a grave error in judgement.

This government policy was supposed to free up houses for Nova Scotians to buy. Most of the housing crisis is in metro Halifax. Many of the summer properties owned by non-residents are in rural areas, often far off the beaten track. Many of these properties are owned by former Nova Scotians who return to our shores during the summer to enjoy the beauty of our province.

Some of these properties are owned by people from other countries, all around the world. These “come- fromaways” have discovered that Nova Scotia has breathtaking scenery, friendly people and plenty of fresh air. We have it all!

People from other countries already pay very hefty property tax rates. The proposed new tax rates would have made their taxes rise to an exorbitant level.

We pride ourselves as being a very welcoming province but the proposed tax hike just pulled away that welcome mat.

Just who are these “out-of-country” people? Let me give you some examples.

My neighbourhood has two families from Germany who are long-time summer residents. They visited our island many years ago and fell in love with Cape Breton.

They bought land that no one else wanted. Forestry people were hired to clear the land; machines were brought in to build a road. New homes were built and local tradespeople were employed.

They shop in our grocery stores, buy gas for their vehicles and shop for furniture. They spend money which benefits our local economy.

Most importantly, they become ambassadors for our island. They return home and spread the word about why their friends and neighbours should visit our island.

These families have become close friends over the years. The neighbourhood anxiously awaits their arrival each year.

The government listened to the backlash over the policy and reversed their decision. Isn’t listening to our concerns what we expect from our government.

Thank you, Premier Houston, for swallowing your pride and admitting that the policy would have given Nova Scotia a very bad reputation around the world.

Yvonne Kennedy Homeville