Manitoba PCs will allow seniors to defer property taxes, provide mobility tax credit: Johnston

A re-elected PC government will  will help seniors make ends meet by allowing them to defer some or all of their yearly property taxes, and introducing new supports to cover the cost of mobility aids, Scott Johnston, PC candidate for Assiniboia, announced today.

“Manitoba seniors want to stay in their homes as long as possible, lead healthy lives, and be active in their communities. But with the federal NDP-Liberal coalition driving up inflation and their cost of living, it’s getting harder and harder for them to age in place while living on a fixed income,” said Johnston. “For seniors struggling today to pay their bills, this new measure will help make you financially secure, and keep more money in your pocket to cover essentials like food, transportation, and medical costs.”

The median income for Manitoba seniors aged 65 and older was $34,800 in 2021. Through a new property tax deferment program, the provincial government would pay deferred taxes to local governments on a qualifying senior’s behalf, which would be repaid with interest when a home is sold—ensuring the program is cost-neutral. 

Several such tax deferral programs already exist in jurisdictions across Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, Johnston noted. A re-elected PC government will also introduce a new $500 tax credit to help cover the cost of equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs, and improvements to their home, Johnston added.

“With the pressures of inflation, more seniors are worried about being able to age in their own homes,” said Charanjit Kaur Sandhu, a senior who lives in Tyndall Park. “Deferring our property tax will help people like me stay in my home longer, and help with the costs of mobility equipment will help me even further. Today’s announcement shows me that the PCs truly have the best interests of seniors at heart.”

Over the last two years, the PCs have taken action to improve the lives of seniors by creating Manitoba’s first-ever Ministry of Seniors and Long-Term Care and launching the province’s first-ever province-wide seniors strategy, Manitoba, A Great Place to Age. 

Several new initiatives and investments have followed to help seniors live independent, fulfilling, and empowered lives, including:

• launching a new $12.6-million program to provide assistance for seniors who need hearing aids;
• launching $3 million in housing initiatives, including a home modification grant program and increasing per diem rates for supportive housing; and
• launching a new home and community care pilot program to start in spring 2024.

“After a lifetime of building up our economy and our communities, Manitoba seniors deserve peace of mind knowing their government is there to support them and committed to their well-being,” said Johnston.

The provincial election will be held on October 3, 2023.

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