(Queen's Park) - Finance Minister Janet Ecker has appointed Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop as vice-chair of the Board of Directors of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Dunlop"s appointment took effect on May 26, 2003 and expires on July 31, 2004.

"MPAC provides important services to municipalities," said Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance. "Garfield's 18 years of municipal political experience will be invaluable to the board to ensure the property tax system is fair and effective for taxpayers and municipalities."

To reflect the full range of stakeholders, the MPAC Board of Directors includes eight municipal representatives, five taxpayer representatives and two provincial representatives. All members of the board are appointed by the Minister of Finance.

"I thank Minister Ecker for this interesting opportunity to serve Ontarians and look forward to the challenges it will present," said Dunlop. "I will work closely with the other board members to ensure that MPAC delivers accurate information and sound advice."

MPAC is a not-for-profit corporation that is primarily responsible for calculating assessed values and classifying properties according to their use. These values are provided to municipalities on annual assessment rolls. Municipalities and the province use these values to calculate property taxes.

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

Julie Kwiecinski
(416) 325-6176