BC finance minister says she’ll meet with Belcarra homeowners about speculation tax

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Some property owners who don’t think they should have to pay British Columbia’s speculation tax will have a chance to voice their concerns with the woman behind it.

Seniors who own rustic cabins in Belcarra say they face thousands of dollars in speculation taxes for owning second homes, even though their properties are not suitable for renting.

RELATED: Seniors with unrentable homes in Belcarra call for break from speculation tax

Finance Minister Carole James has agreed to meet with them and others seeking exemptions.

“I am always open. As I’ve said to the mayor, to residents and others, I am always open to listening to people’s issues that they’re facing. We will be having a meeting with the mayors face-to-face by the summertime and so, that’ll be an opportunity to bring their issues forward and for us to bring our issues forward.”

Even so, James says people who own more than one home shouldn’t expect special treatment.

“These are not primary residences, these are second homes, and people have the opportunity to phone into the tax department to talk about their particular circumstances,” she says. “But are we going to move ahead with affordability for housing? Yes, we are.”

The latest survey by Research Co. shows James has support from most British Columbians.

The poll shows seven out of ten people asked like both the speculation and the vacancy tax including more than half of respondents identifying themselves as B.C. Liberal voters.

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