Further to our previous statement on the property tax scandal, the New Brunswick New Democratic Party has serious concerns that property tax assessments will be turned over to the private sector.
We have seen privatization happen in Ontario, and the results are clear that this is wrong. Most provinces use arms-length independent Crown Corporations to conduct property tax assessments that are free from political interference.
Ontario has privatized their assessment process. Costs for the average homeowner rose, privatization resulted in layoffs, reduced oversight and services.
We reiterate that Justice Robertson must be given a broad mandate to investigate this scandal fully and completely and all information must be made public.