True or False: Mortgages take priority over property taxes.

Mortgages do not take priority over property taxes. Property taxes are considered a first lien on a property, meaning that they must be paid before any mortgage obligations in the event of a foreclosure. When a property owner fails to pay property taxes, the government can take legal action to collect those taxes, which can include foreclosure, regardless of the mortgage position. This legal priority ensures that the government can collect necessary funds for public services, such as schools and infrastructure, effectively positioning property tax obligations above mortgage claims, regardless of any lien status. This hierarchy of claims is fundamental to property law in Canada and helps secure essential public funding.