News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Sweeney upset with registration mail-outs

Government should phase in change

June 9, 2004

George Sweeney, MHA for the District of Carboner-Harbour Grace and Opposition Government Services Critic, is outraged with the decision by the Williams government to mail out additional bills to 15,000 or more drivers around the province.

"It has come to my attention that government has mailed out bills to over 15,000 vehicle owners looking for an additional $40, said Sweeney. "There people were mailed bills in March for $140 and people budget for that. Government should have considered this factor when they brought in rate increases and phased it in as new bills were placed in the mail. Government is penalizing drivers who are simply playing by the rules."

The Liberal MHA maintains the fee increases are not fair to residents of the province and the government should reconsider this, and other fee increases. "We are being taxed in this province to a point where we can no longer afford it. I have spoken out against the $40 increase for vehicle registrations ever since it was imposed in the March 30th budget. I do not think it is fair to charge $180 a year when other provinces charge much lower fees."

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427