CLARIFICATION ON THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL TAXES

Rosemere, August 24, 2007 – The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) would like to clarify certain questions pertaining to 2007-2008 tax invoices. Approximately 3% of SWLSB taxpayers were affected by a miscalculation of their school taxes. The Financial Resources department is currently reviewing all tax invoices and will make the necessary corrections before the second installment.

Factors that contributed to this situation:

1. For the first time, in July 2007, the Government of Quebec allowed school boards to spread the calculation of the taxation on an averaged municipal evaluation for the three years of reference (2007, 2008 and 2009). This reduces the impact of the increase in property evaluations on school taxes. These changes are due to an amendment in the Education Act and the Act Respecting Municipal Taxation.

2. Also, new as of this year, school taxes are payable in two instalments for properties whose tax invoice is equal to or greater than $300. This had never been possible in the past.

3. The SWLSB processes information received from the seven French school boards on its territory which represents 125 different municipalities.

All invoices issued, over 33 000, are being reviewed and necessary adjustments will be applied to the taxpayers’ second installment.

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board offers educational services to more than 15,000 students in 38 schools and 5 centres and has a workforce of nearly 2000 employees.

(Source: Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board)