Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities

Resolution: Capped Assessment Program (CAP)

pdf Read the full resolution on the CAP here (100 KB)

WHEREAS the CAP program distorts the property tax system; and

WHEREAS it is not clear the homeowners most in need of property tax relief are the ones benefitting from the CAP program; and

WHEREAS municipalities are willing to offer pilot programs that will continue to meet the original objectives of the CAP program though a different approach; and

WHEREAS pilot programs can be evaluated to determine intended and unintended impacts of changes; and

WHEREAS a study on Municipal Property Taxation in Nova Scotia, by academic experts Harry Kitchen and Enid Slack recommended a phase-out of the CAP program;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Province work with municipalities and other stakeholders to phase out the CAP program and provide better alternatives to protect low-income homeowners and those experiencing significant increases in residential property assessments; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Province enable pilot projects to be undertaken as soon as possible.