November 27, 2019
Province Follows Through on Commitment to Veterans' Organizations
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would make veterans’ organizations exempt from municipal property taxes and help ensure their long-term stability, Jon Reyes, special envoy for military affairs, announced today.
“The soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces have made huge sacrifices and paid the price so that all Canadians can enjoy the freedom we have today,” Reyes said. “Providing tax relief to veterans’ organizations is another way we can give back and show our appreciation to veterans while helping the Manitoba Legion and the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVET) organizations that are facing serious financial challenges.”
Currently, some municipalities, including the City of Winnipeg, voluntarily exempt veterans’ organizations from property tax. This proposed legislation would ensure all eligible organizations receive this exemption. While it is viewed as an important financial issue for groups like legions, it is not anticipated to be a significant impact to individual municipalities, Reyes said.
Introducing legislation that would exempt veterans’ organizations from municipal property taxes is item number 82 on the province’s 100-Day Action Plan.
To ensure the long-term viability of Manitoba legions, the province also recently announced it directed Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries to adjust the video lottery terminal revenue-sharing agreements with veterans’ organizations so they receive an additional five per cent of the revenues from machines operating in their facilities.
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