Speculation tax goes after the wrong people
Dear Editor:
My wife, a Canadian citizen, and I purchased a condominium in the Okanagan Valley several years ago. We live in it more than six months every year, and we do not rent it out to anyone else. We love living here. We bought our condo because we want to spend quality time with my wife’s elderly mother, who lives in a senior residence here. We look forward to seeing her every day when we are in town.
We were quite surprised, therefore, when the province’s Ministry of Finance recently sent us a letter telling us that we would be subject to the Speculation and Vacancy Tax, which means that we will have to pay more than $10,000 each year to keep living here. As you can see, we are certainly not “speculators,” and our unit is by no means “vacant.” So why are we being forced to pay this enormous, unfair tax?
The province’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax, begun in 2018, was recently expanded to include Vernon, Summerland, Peachland, and Penticton. Its purpose is laudable – to “fight real estate speculation and turn more empty units into homes for people,” to quote a government press release. But the province has cast its net far too wide when this tax also captures simple homeowners, like us, whose sole interest is to spend time with older family members.
This law needs to be adjusted so that it will continue to serve its primary purposes – but not trap innocent residents in the process.
Frank Norris,
Penticton
Stephen Fuhr makes a return at the right time
Dear Editor:
As a baby boomer, I can unequivocally say that we are about to enter the most important election our country has faced in my lifetime — the results of which will have impacts for years to come.
With the threats of tariffs and their economic impact on the lives of many Canadians and the challenges from the South questioning Canada’s sovereignty – our votes matter.
Stephen Fuhr is well positioned to represent the new riding of Kelowna, as demonstrated during his time served as a federal MP in 2015.
During that term he sat on the Standing Committee on National Defence building relationships across all parties and with Canada’s allies.
He is bright, accessible and listens to his constituents. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Stephen served his country for 20 years as a fighter pilot with the RCAF.
Once again Stephen is stepping up to serve his country. In this “all hands- on- deck- situation” that Canadians find themselves in – Fuhr is the right man to represent Kelowna and to be part of Mark Carney’s team.
Carney is uniquely qualified, through knowledge and experience, and suited through style and demeanour to lead Canada and all Canadians against the threats from the south.
Tracy MacDonald,
Kelowna
This patient was well cared for at KGH
Dear Editor:
I have recently been discharged from the Kelowna General Hospital, after spending two and a half weeks on the 4 West wing of the Strathcona Building.
I had a procedure to deal with nerve pain and I am 89 years old.
I wanted to share about the level of love and care that I received from all the staff. From the young man that cleaned the rooms, to the many care-aides and various nurses, doctors and specialists alike. I was lucky enough to have two different semi-private rooms during my unplanned for stay, and I had constant attention. The staff was truly amazing!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. No matter how tired they were, you always gave me 110%! God bless you.
A very grateful,
Shirley Kirschke,
Kelowna
