HOT TOPICS
THIS MONTH'S HOT TOPIC IS:
February 2012 - Property Tax Bills
Have you received your tax bill by mail yet? Are you happy about it? (We thought so.)
Click here for more information about what you pay and why...
FOCA has identified several HOT TOPICS that are significant to many of our members.
Get up-to-date news and information by following these links:
Septics
2011 was the year of elections! Some Post-Election Analysis from FOCA:
Oct.20/11 - New Cabinet Sworn In - read the appointment details...
Ontario's provincial election was held October 6, 2011. The Liberals are back for another four year term, but this time with a Minority Government.
FOCA has made an analysis of the Election Results on behalf of our membership. Click here for results and changes to the top Provincial ridings by number of waterfront voters. Click here for results from Elections Ontario for all ridings.
FOCA was lobbying to the very end, on behalf of cottagers' rights to define their "residence" for the purpose of voting in the Provincial Election.
We continue to advocate on behalf of our membership on the issues that matter to waterfront property owners.
What did FOCA do to prepare for the Provincial Election?
FOCA approached the major political party leaders for a written response to questions of concern to our membership. Click here to read our questions.
We received the following important replies, listed in order of receipt:
Review the details, and weigh your options carefully on voting day.
FOCA encourages all waterfront property owners to lobby your local candidates on issues that matter. There is strength in numbers, and this is the time to be heard by your politicians.
RAISE YOUR VOICE: Political Lobbying for Cottagers - learn more about delivering your message successfully to your local politicians.
September 2011:
Tips for voters:Find your Electoral District by Postal Code.
Once you know your Electoral District, click here for the list of Candidates in your district.
Get info - where & when to vote from Elections Ontario.
Provincial Election: "Can I vote at the cottage?"
Yes! If you own multiple properties, you can vote at EITHER of your residences. It's up to you to decide which to designate your residence for the purposes of voting, and where your vote will make the greatest impact. If you choose to vote at the cottage, bring your picture ID (i.e., driver's licence) PLUS a tax bill from the cottage to the voting location in that Electoral District. Find your electoral district below.
Click here for an important update about voting at the cottage; print this out & take it with you when you go to vote.
Confused about defining your residence for the purpose of voting? View the full Ontario Election Act by clicking here.
Get more voting information from www.wemakevotingeasy.ca.
What are the Key Party Promises in this election?Green Party of Ontario website
Liberal Party of Ontario website
New Democratic Party of Ontario website
Looking for some analysis of the issues?
Some candidates' responses about Property Taxation
Click here for a summary from CTV Media
Summary by Subject (Energy, Environment...) from the Globe & Mail
Want to help support our efforts to educate and advocate on behalf of waterfront property owners across Ontario?
FOCA is a non-profit, voluntary organization. Click here to learn more about how you can help, and what benefits you can receive by joining FOCA.
FOCA encourages all waterfront property owners to lobby your elected officials on issues that matter. There is strength in numbers; let's be heard.
RAISE YOUR VOICE: Political Lobbying for Cottagers - learn more about delivering your message successfully to your local politicians.
Who's in charge? Follow these handy links to municipal, provincial and federal representatives:
Find Ontario Municipality links by region, county or district.
Find your current MPP's contact information on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website.
Find your federal Member of Parliament using your Postal Code on the Parliament of Canada - House of Commons website.
Terry Rees spoke on the Main Stage of the Cottage Life Spring 2011 show about "Hot Topics" affecting waterfront property owners.
To review the results of the 2011 Federal Election, visit CBC's Politics page.
Provincial Election All-Candidates Debate on the Environment - Peterborough Riding (Sept. 29th, 2011)
Terry Rees of FOCA moderated this 2-hour debate with the Peterborough Riding candidates. For media coverage and more info, click here.
Candidates, media and a full house at the last all-candidates debate hosted by FOCA in April 2011 before the Federal election.
