Don't hoard housing

Re: Premier urges B.C. residents not to hoard necessary goods, Ryan Tumilty, Nov. 18; and Liberals don't care about soaring housing prices, Sabrina Maddeaux, Oct. 27

There was sadness as I watched the flooding in many areas of southern British Columbia, along roads I travelled during my 20 years in the province.

There was understanding as I listened to Premier John Horgan scold about the hoarding of items needed by others as well as themselves. He said, “Please do not hoard items. What you need, your neighbours need as well.” A true statement.

Hoarding of essential items is a selfish action that must be confronted and eliminated. Residential housing is an essential item and the hoarding of housing must be confronted and eliminated.

Affordable housing in Canada is not a dream that will take years to hopefully attain if housing is treated by governments as essential. Legislation stating that only Canadian citizens and permanent residents, 18 years of age and older, are allowed to purchase residential property in Canada is needed. As well, legislation should state Canadian citizens and permanent residents are allowed to purchase one, and only one, residential property. Such legislation will eliminate foreign money laundering and foreign ownership. Such legislation will curtail domestic greed and limit residential neighbourhoods being overrun by short-term rental accommodation.

There is sadness as I see so many younger Canadians priced out of the residential ownership market by the hoarding of residential housing. Premier Horgan has stated he does not condone hoarding. I hope he and all his fellow premiers in Canada understand the need to confront and eliminate the hoarding of residential housing.

Eric Proctor, Peterborough,

Ont.