News

What does your Association do for you?

🏛️ Government Relations Update

What’s Your Association Doing Behind the Scenes?

Your board is actively advocating on your behalf in critical conversations with government, municipal leaders, and policy advisors. Here's a snapshot of recent actions and key issues we’re tackling:

🔹 Property Tax System Review – Government of New Brunswick

We joined a stakeholder session with the Finance and Treasury Board and Service New Brunswick. Our key message:
✅ The system must be fair, transparent, and reflect local realities.
We appreciated being included and found the session constructive.

🔹 Strengthening Ties with UMNB

We met with Dan Murphy (Executive Director) and Mayor Brittany Merrifield (President) of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick.
🤝 We agreed on the value of open communication and collaborative policy work that benefits both property stakeholders and municipalities.

🔹 Consulting with IPTI

We shared input with Paul Sanderson, President of the International Property Tax Institute, retained by the province to review the tax system.
📊 IPTI is gathering feedback and will recommend reforms. We ensured your concerns are part of the conversation.

🔹 Residential Tenancies Act Review

We met with Lisa Hrabluk, an independent consultant leading a review of the Act.
💬 We provided feedback on how the legislation can better serve both landlords and tenants.

📌 Key Issues We’re Advocating For

✔️Eliminating Dual Taxation

 Removing the provincial portion of the property taxes on residential rental properties will lessen the burden on tenants and rental housing providers and make us comparable to the rest of Atlantic Canada

✔️ Fix the Assessment Backlog
Spike protection is currently misapplied—covering most properties instead of rare spikes. This has led to repeated 10% tax increases. We’re pushing to restore spike protection to its original purpose and clear the backlog.

✔️ Link Assessments to Rates Transparently
Assessments and tax rates must work together in a transparent system that prevents future tax shocks.

✔️ Ensure Assessment Fairness
“Comparable” properties must be genuinely comparable. Equity must be a core requirement.

✔️ Allow Classification Appeals
Property owners should have the right to appeal their property classification decisions.

✔️ Rethink Residential Tax Reliance
The system leans too heavily on residential property taxes, driving up housing costs and hurting affordability.

We’re encouraged by the openness of these discussions and remain committed to strong advocacy.
📬 We’ll keep you informed as this work continues.