Ontario’s Drive Clean a $50- to $70-million windfall
TORONTO (Jan. 31, 2000) — A coalition of road-user associations has accused the Government of Ontario of blowing smoke when it promised taxpayers that the mandatory vehicle emissions testing program, Drive Clean, would result in no net cost to taxpayers.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Ontario, the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) and the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) said the province will receive a windfall of anywhere from $50-70 million in sales tax revenues from Drive Clean.
The figure is above and beyond the Ministry of the Environment’s share of test fees, which cover the ministry’s costs of administering the program.
The associations said they support the testing and repair of gross emitters of air pollutants, but want charges for repairs related to Drive Clean emissions tests to be exempt from the provincial retail sales tax.
The three associations intend to raise this matter as part of their pre-budget consultations that begin this week.
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