I am a construction contractor in the Gulf Islands. I am outraged to hear that the view has been taken to penalize fellow Canadians in an attempt to curb real-estate speculation.
Although the tax might deter the odd investor from abroad, it is discrimination against our brothers and sisters from the rest of Canada.
1. Canadians are equals and should be free to own property anywhere in our country without discrimination.
2. Perhaps look at applying the tax to the international buyers who now own property in the Lower Mainland, where houses either sit empty or are torn down with every dish and appliance left inside.
3. This is no way to stimulate the building economy or any aspect of the economy.
4. People who have owned property for a long time should be grandfathered in and exempted.
5. It is not fellow Canadians who are the causing the problem here. Take a drive through the British Properties and tell me how many foreign investors have taken over. It’s not a retired couple from Saskatchewan.
6. A person who can afford to pay $7 million for a house and leave it empty for two years with all the lights on, then tear it down and build a big mansion will no doubt be unaffected by this sort of tax. As usual, the rule will apply to and affect the little guy.
The government should give this another thought and change the way it discusses this issue; my vote will count on it.
Micah Booy
Salt Spring Island
