Sign to oppose the tax hike of Markham as this brings back a reasonable tax bill and financial stability for more than 100 thousand homeowners in the city. Currently, Markham has a proposed 6.4% tax hike in 2023 and this estimate will continue to grow rapidly within the next 3 years. In the past weeks, many residents are experiencing financial stress to pay the property tax bill, the pinch of inflation, job loss, and higher cost of living. With these existing negative factors, the increase in property tax will only add pressure on residents and bring a major influence on their financial state. Hence, the municipal government should be more aware of this situation, protect against the mental pressure of citizens and bring higher life satisfaction back to citizens.

Here are some major issues that need to revise and addressed:

1. Oppose tax hike and Bill 23

Bill 23 should not be the reason for Markham's municipal government to increase the tax bill, as other cities in Ontario tax bills did not increase as substantially as Markham's.

      2. Markham municipal council should play a part in supporting resident's demand

The Markham municipal council has the obligation to represent the citizens' voices to revise Bill 23. If our city's government can not stand for the citizens' point of view, then in future elections we will elect a government and councilors who can speak up for us and take our demands into consideration. 

Together, we can make a change to Markham's current tax hike problem, benefiting your household and every house owner across the municipality. Let us say no to the status quo and speak up for ourselves. If not now, then when? If not us then who?

To keep it simple, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen" (Churchill, 2023). Let our voices be heard and be taken into account!