Winnipeg: One year after the release of the City of Winnipeg's Economic Opportunity Commission Report, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) have concluded that the report, despite the Mayor's assurances, appears to be gathering dust.
"No one expected all of the options to be implemented in one year, but even the simplest recommendations haven't been implemented." said CTF Manitoba director Colin Craig "Setting up a fraud and waste hotline as well as a suggestion box are something any Councilor could have initiated."
In Winnipeg, businesses pay school taxes, city property tax and city business tax. All three property taxes result in Winnipeg businesses paying one of the highest property tax burdens in the country.
"The business tax is a tax on jobs, entrepreneurs and growth," said Shannon Martin, CFIB director of provincial affairs. "Winnipeg is unique in Canada in terms of charging businesses a separate tax above and beyond other fees and taxes. Last year's report offered a roadmap to greater prosperity for all of Winnipeg; unfortunately it remains in the glove box."
"The Economic Opportunity Commission Report outlines a menu of options which City Hall officials could take to phase out the business tax," said Trevor Sprague, former Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Chair and Commission member. "To ensure we begin moving forward, we recommend that the EOC reconvene and develop an implementation strategy for the report."
Mayor Katz first committed to eliminating the business tax in the by-election of 2004. Subsequent reaffirmations occurred, leading to the establishment of the Economic Opportunity Commission in December 2006 and its mandate of providing Council with options to offset the revenue lost from the elimination of the business tax. The final report was tabled on June 22, 2007.
2007 Sample Winnipeg convenience store tax bill:
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