The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton is calling the province’s move to gradually reduce the double taxation on non-owner occupied properties as a glass “half-full” or “half-empty” scenario.
CEO John Wishart says he applauds a reduction over the next four years but the Higgs government needs to go a step further.
“We would wish that the entire tax be scrapped because I believe New Brunswick is the only jurisdiction that has this type of tax in place. But at least a gradual move to reduce the tax should help in the housing market.”
Wishart is pleased to see the province’s continuing commitment to fiscal discipline by reducing the debt.
He says this sends the right signal to the business community amid plunging stock markets and fears about the coronavirus and its impact on the economy.
Boosting newcomers to New Brunswick and efforts to try and keep them here is also encouraging news for the Chamber.
Wishart is glad the provincial government is providing funding to help newcomers with language training and to help them obtain faster recognition of their credentials.
New Brunswick’s new carbon pricing plan is expected to begin in April and Wishart believes it should reduce the cost of gasoline and diesel.
While he believes it will be better than the current federal backstop, he notes how the plan still has to be passed in the legislature.
