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BC Liberal leader facing more Twitter backlash following speculation tax comments

B.C.’s Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson is facing more criticism of being “tone deaf” following another controversial posting on Twitter.

In a tweet taking aim at B.C.’s speculation tax, Wilkinson wrote “John Horgan and the NDP are ignoring brokenhearted families who have had cabins for decades. Their unfair #speculationtax means these families may lose those special homes.”

The tweet accompanies a video clip featuring Belcarra’s mayor, who comments that people in his community are “terrified” they will lose their water access only cabins that have been in their family for generations because of the speculation tax.

Many people online pointed out Wilkinson’s controversial comments from last week, where he made light of the rental situation in B.C.

“I was a renter for 15 years. I lived in a dozen different rentals,” he said. “It was challenging at times, but it was fun.

“It’s kind of a wacky time of life, but it can be really enjoyable.”

With the rental climates in places like Victoria, Vancouver and Kelowna nearing dire pricing and vacancy levels, the comments were not well received.

Many Twitter users also pointed out that as a trained doctor and lawyer, Wilkinson’s time renting 15 years ago may have been slightly out of touch when compared to the struggles many British Columbians face today.

B.C. homeowners in areas impacted by the speculation tax such as Kelowna and West Kelowna, along with various regions in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island have until the end of March to declare their properties exempt from the tax.



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