For immediate release
November 24, 2005

Fix Farm Bunkhouse Assessment:  Barrett 

Queen’s Park - Assessment tax hikes are the last straw for farmers already struggling with weather, low commodity prices, loss of markets, and skyrocketing energy and input costs Ag Critic Toby Barrett reported to the Ontario Legislature today.

“The McGuinty Government has ruled that bunkhouses should be taxed at the same rate as residential properties – MPAC just confirmed this,” Barrett stated in the House.  “For years farm worker bunkhouses have been taxed like other farm buildings. Taxes – rightfully so – have been based on the assessed value of the bunkhouse multiplied by one-quarter the residential rate.”

The Agriculture critic also made clear just what is at stake:

“Each year our farmers in Ontario rely on 14,000 migrant workers – excellent workers from countries like Mexico and Jamaica – as well as local seasonal help to plant and harvest crops.  This requires lodging – bunkhouses – to provide a ‘home away from home’,” Barrett said.
 
“Only a government that doesn’t understand or care about the plight of our fruit and vegetable and tobacco farmers and our farm economies would permit this to happen.” Barrett charged.

“Fix it!” He concluded.
 

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For more information, please call Toby Barrett, MPP – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant 519-428-0446