DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ontario government plans to get rid of license plate renewal fees.
“We are eliminating license plate renewal fees and scrapping the requirement to have a license plate sticker for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds. On top of that, we are going to refund what you’ve paid to renew your stickers for the past two years,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced at a press conference, on Tuesday, February 22nd.
Premier Ford explained why the government is deciding to make this change.
“The best place for your money is in your pocket, not the government’s pocket,” he said. “We know the rising cost of living has made many things more expensive and can make it harder for families to make ends meet.”
Government officials also stated how residents could make sure they receive their refund.
“To receive a refund, drivers will have to confirm, the address on their license is up to date, on Ontario.ca/addresschange. There’s also a dedicated line at Service Ontario, at 888-333-0049,” the Premier explained. “Any outstanding tickets or fines will also have to be covered before you can receive your refund.”
The decision is expected to cost the government over $1 billion in revenue. However, Premier Ford said this would allow residents to have more money to spend in the Ontario economy.
“That’s a billion dollars that’s going back into the economy,” Premier Ford stated. “You might be able to spend it a lot wiser than the government. Matter of fact, I know people can spend their money a lot wiser than the government, all three levels of government.”