NDP’s new taxes will hurt seniors, dry up job opportunities

We have lived in the same home in West Vancouver for 43 years. Through no fault of our own, we will now be subject to the new school tax because of the appreciation of our property.

As retired seniors, we live on a pension income. As our deferred tax bill climbs, when our children inherit our home, they will have a tax liability that will require the liquidation of the property.

We have paid taxes in B.C. since 1970. Now we are being unjustly penalized. School taxes are already included in our municipal tax bill. If this type of tax is applied, it should only be on homes originally purchased for more than $3 million.

Now the speculation tax. Considering the amount of construction that goes on in our neighbourhood, many contractors and tradespeople have decent incomes as a result of the building activity. Gardeners, domestic help, property managers, insurance companies, maintenance and repair trades, building-supply outlets, appliance outlets, and many more make their livings from the construction and maintenance of those homes.

If the government continues its policy, these employment opportunities will dry up. Then what? Employment Insurance? Welfare?

Or worst still, the nationalization of all residential property in B.C.

— Ronald Komm, West Vancouver

— CITY OF VANCOUVER HANDOUT A conceptual drawing shows a proposed Granville Bridge centre pathway raised above traffic.