Critics of investor immigrants got it wrong

Re: Rich immigrant program fizzles, Barbara Yaffe, Feb. 20 and Investor- class immigrant program won’t be missed in Vancouver, Pete McMartin, Feb. 20

Prejudices against Asians in B. C. have been as prevalent over the years as admiration for their strong work ethic and perseverance.

In the old days poor Asian immigrants were castigated for taking jobs for lower wages from local Canadians; now their rich cohorts are accused of driving up real estate prices and razing trees.

Rich and hardworking American and European immigrants, or “foreigners,” have also bought up a lot of Vancouver real estate and driven fancy cars.

However, they are not targeted for blame because they are not visible minorities.

Land and home ownership is an ingrained Asian desire whether they are rich or poor. Owning property means they have achieved a step in belonging to this great country.

Asian immigrants have loyalty to Canada. Many mainland Chinese fondly recognized Canada as the land of Dr. Norman Bethune.

Many Asian men “go back to where they came from” for jobs because they cannot get work here commensurate with their education or training.

Leaving their wives and children here speaks volumes to how much they respect and trust this country with their precious emotional ties.

Economic activities generated by family members more than compensate for the alleged lack of taxes they pay.

Most of what they earn abroad is remitted to their families in Canada to pay big property tax bills on so- called “monster homes” ( if they have one), to hire local gardeners to plant new shrubs and trees, and for their children to buy vehicles.

ELAINE TSANG West Vancouver

Re: Wealthy investor immigrants pay little in taxes, Feb. 12

According to the government spokeswoman, “over 20 years, the average investor- immigrant paid about $ 200,000 less in taxes than a skilled federal worker and almost $ 100,000 less than a live- in caregiver.” This contradicts common sense.

The average live- in caregiver makes about $ 2,000 a month or $ 24,000 per annum. They pay minimal or no tax. How could an average live- in caregiver pay $ 100,000 more tax than an investor- immigrant?

The Conservatives are blaming investor immigrants for the failure of the government.

We may not know how much income tax the wealthy investor immigrants are paying but there is little doubt that they pay considerable sales and property transfer taxes for their real estates, fine cars and luxury merchandise.

GABRIEL YIU Vancouver