Press Release - October 6th, 2009
Finance Minister Considers Tax Mix Options for NWT
Yellowknife (October 6) -- Minister of Finance Michael Miltenberger has released a discussion document to stimulate public discussion on territorial tax options at this week's 2009 Roundtable on Revenue Options.
"We want to take a close look at how we generate revenues in the NWT, to see if there are changes to our tax system that might further our economic, social and environmental objectives, without increasing the total amount of taxes we collect," the Minister said.
The focus of this week's Roundtable, in part, will be to explore ideas and identify options in the NWT's tax mix that will ensure that the NWT tax system is competitive, able to fund essential programs and services, and works to achieve the goals set out by the Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly.
The Finance Minister is looking beyond next year's Budget. "We want to take a longer-term view of our tax policies. Changing the tax mix can create winners and losers," said Miltenberger, "We need to be sure we've done our research and discussed the options with NWT residents before making any changes."
Last fall, the Minister consulted stakeholder groups representing the NWT's political, business, labour, social and environmental communities on revenue options available to the government. Building on last year's success, the Minister has invited these NWT organizations to return for a second discussion this week in Yellowknife.
The discussions and feedback generated this week could guide the development of policy to ensure that the GNWT's tax structure is aligned with its vision and goals.
The discussion document is available on the Department of Finance's website at: www.fin.gov.nt.ca
NWT residents are also encouraged to view the document and provide comments by November 2, 2009. Comments can be sent electronically to Revenue_Options@gov.nt.ca or by mail to:
Tax Options Consultations
Fiscal Policy Division
Department of Finance
PO BOX 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
For more information, contact:
Drew Williams
Press Secretary to Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2304
For technical information, contact:
John Monroe
Department of Finance
Tel: (867) 920-6436
Email: john_monroe@gov.nt.ca
