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Peter Bethlenfalvy Mar 26 2026

Ontario Finance Minister firm against proposed wealth-tax

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An update on Ontario’s finances will be revealed this Thursday.

That is when Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy will bring forward an economic statement.

When questioned in the Ontario Legislature by the opposition, Bethlenfalvy notes that the government is working to make life more affordable.

“You know what the people of Ontario care about? They care about a government who cares about them and puts money in their pockets,” says Bethlenfalvy.

“Every time you go to the pumps, you’re paying less for gas. And the gas tax cut, which we did four years ago, and we made permanent. Guess who advocated for the federal government to do that? This Premier and this government said, you got to help us, you got to help the people of Ontario. And guess what? They cut the gas tax.”

The federal measure, however, is only temporary and will end in January 2027.

The Finance Minister says they will continue to lobby for its continuance.

Ontario Greens want to see a tax increase imposed on the province’s wealthiest.

Bethlenfalvy is set against any measure that increases taxes.

“We’re not going to stand for that,” says Bethlenfalvy.

“This government stands for lower taxes, helping people out, putting money in their pockets.”

Koochiching County Board meeting Sept 8 2026

Little change to taxing districts levies in Koochiching County

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There will be no increase in the levy collected from most taxing districts established in Koochiching County.

The districts allow for property taxes to be collected for specific services.

No increases to the levy were requested in the fire districts for Littlefork, Loman, Birchdale or Big Falls.

The County Board of Commissioners approved modest increases for Northome and Baudette.

There will also be no levy increase for the Littlefork Ambulance Service or Northome First Responders.

A $200 decrease was granted to Rainy River First Responders.

Pumping gas at gas pump. Closeup of man pumping gasoline fuel in

Federal government extends suspension of fuel excise tax until 2027

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The federal government has announced that they are suspending their fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne made the announcement today in Ottawa.

Additionally, from Feb. 1 to March 31, he announced the tax will only return at a rate of 50 per cent.

On April 1 the tax is set to return in full.

Champagne said the government is focused on controlling what they can, not outside influences.

“We have one very simple message, to all Canadians, we are there for you,” said Champagne. “Lower fuel costs help to bring down costs across the country. For Canada, it means practical relief at a time when Canadians need it most.”

The tax was temporarily suspended on April 20, and would have come back into effect after Labour Day. The federal government estimates that the suspension will continue to save Canadians 10 cents per litre on regular gasoline, and 4 cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel.

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said the Conservatives won another battle for Canadian families, and is calling on the Liberal government to remove all federal taxes on gas and diesel until at least July 1, 2027.

“Only after months of Conservative pressure, Liberal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is announcing a delay of the governments proposed gas tax hike until early next year,” said Poilievre. “It pays to have Conservatives fighting for Canadian families.”

Time for Taxes - Clock

No property tax increase in Digby’s 2026/27 budget

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Good news for the residents of the Town of Digby, who won’t see a property tax increase this year.

Council approved the $6.3 million operating budget for 2026/27 at a July 6 meeting, and announced that residential and commercial property tax rates are staying the same.

The new budget also included a decrease in garbage collection rates from $370 per unit to $314 per unit, and an increase in sewage rates from $6.65 per 1000 gallons of water usage to $7.97.

Review of the unaudited 2025/26 budget showed the town ran a minor surplus over the fiscal year.

In a press release, Mayor Mike Bartlett said the budget reflects the town’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and thoughtful planning.

“By holding the line on property tax rates while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure our community relies on, we are supporting both the financial well-being of our residents and the long-term sustainability of the town.” said Bartlett.

More information on the budget can be found on the town’s website, or at the Town of Digby Administration Office.

woman holding magnetic card

Provincial tax cut for small businesses promoted by Ontario government

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A planned tax cut for Ontario’s small businesses is expected to save them more than one billion dollars.

The province intends to cut the small business corporate income tax (CIT) from 3.2% to 2.2% over the next three years.

The measure was announced in the provincial budget.

Associate Minister of Small Business, Nina Tangri, says the cut will allow businesses to reinvest in themselves and project jobs.

“Ontario’s small businesses are the driving force behind our economy, employing more than 2.5 million people,” states Tangri in a release.

“We continue to support small businesses in these times of economic turbulence by providing additional tax relief that will allow them to reinvest in their companies and workers so they can scale-up, reach new customers and grow.”

The tax cut is expected to provide more than 375,000 Ontario small businesses with up to $5,000 in tax relief every year.

The province also intends to provide further relief through federal measures that allow businesses to accelerate the write-off of a broad range of capital investments, including equipment and other assets, saving an estimated $3.5 billion in additional Ontario income tax relief over four years.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and our government is taking action to help them grow, invest and create good-paying jobs,” states Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.

“(The) tax cut will put more money back into the hands of local entrepreneurs in communities. . .across Ontario, giving them the flexibility to expand, hire and compete in an increasingly uncertain global environment.”