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George Sweeney, MHA for the District of Carbonear-Harbour Grace and
Opposition Critic for Government Services, supports a request by the
Newfoundland Antique and Classic Car Club (NACCC) for a review of antique
vehicle licensing fees in this province. In 2004, the provincial
government unexpectedly and drastically increased these fees from $15 to $75
per year. Since the fee hike, the association has requested a review and a
rollback of the fees during informal meetings, followed by comprehensive
information submitted in a letter earlier this year to the minister of
government services to support their case for a more reasonable fee
structure.
"A 500% increase in fees for any service is very substantial and this
association makes a very compelling case to have the fee structure reviewed
and reduced," says Sweeney. "When you consider that in the most recent
budget, government was back-patting itself for cutting fees to help reduce
the burden on individuals and groups in the province, it is rather ironic
that they were unconcerned jacking these particular fees by such a large
amount.
"As a direct result of the 2004 increase, there has been a significant
drop in the number of vehicles licensed in 2004 and 2005. Government may
have experienced a slight revenue increase because of the 500% mark-up, but
the revenue per eligible vehicle definitely has decreased." The Liberal MHA
notes that the NACCC is recommending a drop to $20 or $25, which would
amount to a higher net increase in revenue for government since it would
encourage multi-vehicle owners to renew the registration on all their
vehicles.
"This exorbitant increase has also resulted in an annual fee that is
markedly higher than fees in any other jurisdiction in Canada. It is only
fair that the minister undertake a review as quickly as possible and
implement a more appropriate, affordable and consistent fee structure in
line with other provinces. The antique car community not only donates to
charity, but it brings many significant benefits to the province’s economy,
as is evident by their classic car show to be held in Mount Pearl this
coming weekend. This would be a very appropriate time for the minister to
get this review on the road and provide these antique car owners with the
support they need to keep them rolling throughout our province."
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