The sale of Premier David Eby's condominium in Victoria has become embroiled in the debate over the New Democrat government's proposed law on short-term rental accommodations.
The Opposition BC United accused Eby on Tuesday of largely profiting from the sale of his condominium in 2019 because it was in a building complex that did not have rental restrictions.
Kevin Falcon is trying to create loopholes for real estate investors. We won’t let him.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) October 24, 2023
While the BCU party is fighting for investors, our priority is helping people find a place to live. And we make no apology for that. pic.twitter.com/X4E9mj03yF
Housing critic Karin Kirkpatrick told the legislature that Eby sold the condo for $150,000 more than he originally paid, capitalizing on the province's explosion in short-term rentals.
False.
— Karin Kirkpatrick 🇨🇦 (@KirkpatrickWVC) October 24, 2023
A common-sense limit of one short-term rental protects family property rights while blocking abuse by investors.
Ironic considering you sold your condo as a potential Airbnb opportunity. #bcpoli https://t.co/OlQlINVM0I
Today in the Legislature, I introduced four common-sense amendments to fix the glaring flaws in the NDP's short-term rental legislation. The amendments ensure the following priorities are reflected in the Act: pic.twitter.com/mtJ04JVFkL
— Karin Kirkpatrick 🇨🇦 (@KirkpatrickWVC) October 24, 2023
The government introduced proposed legislation this month that takes aim at rapidly expanding short-term rentals in B.C. in an effort to increase badly needed long-term rental housing.
Renee Merrifield, an Opposition member of the legislature from Kelowna, referred to Eby in the house as "condo king," who cashed in by selling his Airbnb-friendly apartment.
But Eby calls the dispute a "manufactured scandal," saying he sold the condo where he was living with his family to buyers who bought the property for one of their children attending post-secondary education in Victoria.
"I did not market the property for short-term rental," Eby said at a news conference at the legislature.
