BY LISA HAWKES
GUEST OPINION
I was born on the Island in 1961 and lived there until 1990 when I moved away for work. Does this sound familiar?
I went to school and college on the Island. I was in the workforce on the Island for 12 years prior to moving ‘away.’ A couple of years ago we were fortunate enough to be able to buy a little property on P.E.I.
Last year we were on the Island from mid-May to mid-October. We entertained friends from of Island too.
During that time, we spent money - we shopped, enjoyed the local entertainment and ate in several restaurants while touring the Island
from Souris to West Point. We even stayed overnight at the West Point lighthouse.
I’m appalled that I’m not considered an islander when it comes to paying taxes on our property. I remember when the P.E.I. government decided to increase taxes on property to limit the amount of the Island lands and property that were purchased by ‘people from away.’ I get that; but I don’t consider myself to be ‘from away.’
I believe it’s time for the P.E.I. government to reconsider this extra tax and encourage those of us true born Islanders to come home - even if it’s only for a few months.
The P.E.I. real property tax rate for non-commercial property in the province is set at $1.50 for each $100 taxable value assessment.
P.E.I. residents are instantly rebated for .50 cents of that.
In 2016 the province changed its definition of who qualifies as a resident. Instead of residing in the province for 183 days over the course of a year, residents must now live in the province for 365 days over 24 months. Does that apply to P.E.I. snowbirds as well? Does anyone check that?
I’m sure that during the months that I’m on the island my husband and I contribute more than some that qualify as permanent residents.
Please, Premier H. Wade MacLauchlan, help bring back true born Islanders that care about the future of our Island.
- Lisa Hawkes, New Glasgow, N.S., a full-time Islander, part-time resident
