HALIFAX, NS: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) says “discussions” between the city of Halifax and the Irvings regarding a potential special tax deal for the shipyard could turn out to be another taxpayer funded handout to the shipyard, and Mayor Savage owes taxpayers an explanation.
On Friday October 25th, the Province of Nova Scotia introduced a new bill changing Halifax’s Charter allowing the municipality to enter into special tax deals with “eligible industrial properties.” In media reports following the release of the bill Director of Legal Services for the City of Halifax indicated that the City has had “discussions” already about negotiating a tax deal for the Irving’s new shipyard.
The province of Nova Scotia already agreed to dump $304 million into Irving Shipbuilding.
“Given taxpayers have already committed over $300 million will Mayor Savage commit that any special deal for the Irvings won’t be another give away to that company,” said Kevin Lacey, Atlantic Director with the CTF.
In a letter to the Mayor (that can be found HERE), the Federation asked him to explain why his administration has been engaged in these negotiations regarding the tax rate for Irving Shipbuilding, at the same time council voted to potentially raise property taxes this year.
“Taxpayers deserve to know, how long these discussions with the Irvings been going on, what have the Irvings have asked for, and when will council get involved in these discussions,” said Lacey. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander; if there’s a break for the Irvings why not for everyone else?”
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