(Queen's Park) - Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop announced today that applications for the new seniors' tax credit will be sent out to eligible seniors in September 2003. This program will provide senior homeowners and senior tenants with a tax credit that reimburses them for the residential education property taxes they pay on their principal residence for the last half of the 2003 taxation year, and on a full-year basis starting in 2004.

"I am pleased that the Ernie Eves government is giving our seniors a much-deserved tax break," said Dunlop. "Seniors have earned our gratitude by helping to build the prosperity we enjoy today."

The Ontario Home Property Tax Relief for Seniors Act was passed on June 25, 2003, in spite of the fact that both Opposition parties voted against it. Because of this legislation, Ontario's 700,000 senior homeowners and 245,000 senior tenants will receive $450 million in net new benefits annually. This represents an average net saving of $475 a year per senior household.

The first payments under the new program will be issued to seniors in December 2003. Seniors can call the Ministry of Finance"s toll-free number at 1-877-533-2188 to request specific information about the tax credit.

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)

Julie Kwiecinski
(416) 325-6176