Over three days in November, REALTORS® from across Ontario gathered in Toronto to meet and discuss the legislative issues facing the profession. Representatives were updated on the fight to have the Municipal Land Transfer Tax taken off the table as a new revenue tool for cities. A Private Member’s bill will be presented in December requesting that municipalities not have the option to levy this new tax against home buyers. See: http://donttaxmydream.ca/
OREA also presented their submission on a proposed mandatory energy audit program that would require an audit to be completed before a property is listed and that the score be included on the MLS® system. OREA’s proposal counters this position, but suggests that an energy audit be included as part of a standard home inspection, once the Province regulates that industry. See: https://www.oreablog.com/2015/09/ontario-realtors-oppose-mandatory-home-energy-audits/
Representatives from RAHB met with four of our five MPPs, and had a chance to raise concerns about these issues. Results were mixed, but we hope to have more details soon, as many hadn’t yet discussed the issues
in caucus.
(l-r) RAHB Government Relations committee representatives
Kathy Della-Nebbia and Nik Bucalo and OREA PAC rep Sean Morrison.
Update!
Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ted McMeekin informed the legislature on December 1 that the government will not give municipalities outside of Toronto the ability to charge a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT).