Manitoba government backs away, again, from seniors property tax promise

WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is backing away, for a second time, from a campaign promise on property taxes.

Finance Minister Greg Dewar says there is now no firm timeline for the elimination of the education property tax for seniors.

In the 2011 election, the NDP promised to eliminate that tax for senior homeowners by 2015.

Last year, the government pushed back the deadline to 2016.

Now, Dewar says the government will work toward its goal at some future date, and start by doubling the property tax rebate for seniors this year to $470 from $235.

Dewar has also announced the date for his annual budget will be April 30.

(The Canadian Press)