The Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA)
is pleased to see the federal government
focus on social programs.

CANADIAN SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DES COMMISSIONS/CONSEILS SCOLAIRES
350 - 130 rue Slater Street, Ottawa ON K1P 6E2
(613) 235-3724 fax/téléc: (613) 238-8434

MEDIA RELEASE

February 2, 2004

For Immediate Release

(OTTAWA) – “It’s unfair of the federal government to single out municipalities for GST relief without also considering the needs of school boards,” said Michele Mulder, President of the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA). This was in response to today’s Throne Speech, which provided all municipalities with full relief from the portion of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) they now pay.

For a number of years, CSBA has called upon the federal government to exempt school board purchases from GST. GST payments from school boards, which total millions of dollars annually, divert scarce resources from students and classrooms.

“In the Speech from the Throne, the Martin government recognized that excellent schools are an essential part of vibrant communities,” continued Mrs. Mulder. “Unfortunately, recognition isn’t enough. School boards must be included in any new deal for communities with respect to GST relief.”

The Canadian School Boards Association is the national voice of school boards. It comprises ten provincial school board associations representing over 350 school boards, serving more than four million elementary and secondary school students.

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For information:

Christian Larose, Communications & Government Relations Coordinator

(613) 235-3724 ext. 23