Everyone hopes for a little special something in their Christmas stocking on that magical morning. Problem is that some of the things that people need most (or deserve) don’t exactly fit in one of those things that “were hung by the chimney with care”, as the famous poem says.
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So we’re all going to have to use our imaginations a little and think about what it might look like if my targeted recipients were to emerge from their bedrooms in matching onesies on Christmas morn, all wide-eyed and excited, and find that Santa brought them exactly what I’d wished for them.
Plus the usual mandarin orange in the toe, of course.
The wisdom to discern the extent of property tax reform that New Brunswickers truly need and the courage to take their time and do it properly rather than quickly.
Oh, and maybe a Prime Minister that doesn’t foist cynical, ill-begotten temporary HST-saving schemes on the provincial government at a moment’s notice and expect the Province to give up revenue doing it. I’ll bet the Premier and her cabinet would like one of those for Christmas, too.
A more diversified, sufficient, and sustainable municipal funding model, one that addresses the infrastructure gap and allows them much more flexibility with tax rates.
Also, the courage to tell property owners what they really need to know at budget time, namely, “How much more tax will I have to pay in the coming year?” That kind of transparency, though difficult to find, would be the Christmas gift that definitely keeps on giving.
Oh, and maybe one more: a future Prime Minister who doesn’t think munis are “wasting it all” when it comes to infrastructure money. Pretty sure they’d want to save some room in the Christmas stocking for that, too.
For all NB taxpayers
A fair, equitable, and revenue neutral property tax system in which increased assessments don’t automatically mean increased taxes. Most of the other kids on the Canadian block have one of these, so why not New Brunswick, too? C’mon…it’s Christmas after all.
For Brent Harris and Joanna Killen, hosts of the NB Poli Podcast
853,000 podcast subscribers, as well as a house with lots of bedrooms and a large workshop out back. Oh, and, continued good judgement in your choice of guests… 😉
For Christopher Brown of the Cross Border Network
A pin from every community in Canada – he’s sure to visit them all eventually and interview municipal officials from every single one. Seriously, Santa should subcontract this guy.
Also, continued good judgement for him as well in terms of guests for his podcasts!
And, more than anything, good health.
For the New Brunswick Apartment Owners Association
An expanded Residential Property Tax Credit so that both landlords and tenants might both potentially breath a little easier – not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
For all my former colleagues at Service New Brunswick
A light at the end of all the many tunnels, especially the one where the government uses assessment “solutions” (like the monumentally stupid Spike Protection Mechanism) to fix tax problems.
For all my media contacts
This one is especially for Nathan DeLong, Robert Jones, John Chilibeck, and Danielle McCreadie – I wish for each of you a legacy and digital media landscape in which you and your passion for public service can thrive for a long time yet.
For all the people who helped me write my first book
I won’t name names here but you definitely know who you are. I wish for you all the same kind of time, kindness, and support in your own work that you’ve given me in mine.
For all my followers on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and e-mail
May all your hopes and dreams – financial and otherwise – come true.
And finally, for my wife, Michele, and my daughter, Jill
May the love and support you’ve given me in this writing journey be reflected back at you a thousand times over. That would make it the best Christmas ever.
This piece was first published in the Northumberland Free Press, 2024-12-21
Thanks for the shout out Jerry. And best of wishes and a seasons greetings to you and your loved ones in 2025.