National

BC United calls premier 'condo king' over his property sale; Eby says 'nonsense'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Oct, 2023 04:03 PM

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.

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
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) October 24, 2023

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.

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
— Karin Kirkpatrick 🇨🇦 (@KirkpatrickWVC) October 24, 2023

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.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Statue of Mahatma Gandhi at SFU damaged in vandalism act: Burnaby RCMP

The Mounties were contacted around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, after someone noticed the statue had been vandalized, with the head having been removed. It is not yet known when the vandalism happened. It’s believed a power tool was likely used.

Statue of Mahatma Gandhi at SFU damaged in vandalism act: Burnaby RCMP

Democrats, GOP spar over Canada-U.S. border

In a subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill, House Republicans fanned the flames of an emerging fire-and-brimstone narrative about a "metastasizing crisis" of irregular migration along the world's longest international frontier.

Democrats, GOP spar over Canada-U.S. border

Federal budget includes $59.5B in new spending

To alleviate the pressure of rising grocery prices, the federal government has extended the GST rebate boost offered in the fall. The rebate, which will go to lower income Canadians, will deliver up to $234 to a single person and up to $467 to a couple with two children.

Federal budget includes $59.5B in new spending

Dental program cost set to more than double

That benefit will be scrapped by June 2024. In its place, Tuesday's budget shows the Liberals are planning a government-administered insurance program, at a cost of $13 billion over five years beginning in fiscal year 2023-24.

Dental program cost set to more than double

B.C. councillor resigns, called mayor 'Mr. Hitler'

At a March 20 meeting, Smyth took issue with a decision not to livestream advisory committee meetings about an official community plan or release committee members' CVs. Smyth said the move was done in a "very political way," something that was denied by Mayor Peter Jones who said it was a "practical approach" before ending questions.

B.C. councillor resigns, called mayor 'Mr. Hitler'

B.C. to secure access to drug of social media fame

Adrian Dix said in January that the government would be investigating why almost 10 per cent of prescriptions for the drug in B.C. were filled for American citizens. Dix said at the time that the dramatic increase in demand for the diabetes drug was partly because of social media "influencers" who spoke about its weight loss benefits.