The vast majority of British Columbians said they support key elements of the NDP government’s proposals outlined in the 2018 provincial budget revealed February 20, according to the results of an Insights West poll released March 1.
More than four in five survey respondents – 82% – said they think increasing the foreign-buyer tax from 15% to 20% is a “good idea” or a “very good idea.” A similar percentage (81%) expressed support for the expansion of the tax to areas outside of Metro Vancouver.
The introduction of a tax on speculative purchases – which will initially be applied at 0.5% of assessed property values and will jump to 2% in 2019 – also met with 81% approval. The highest support (90%) was from those who voted for the NDP in the 2017 election, followed by the BC Greens (79%) and the BC Liberals (75%).
As well, 77% said they agree with the government’s announcement it is increasing the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes with values of more than $3 million. This includes 76% who own their primary residences and 72% who voted for the BC Liberals in the last election.
Poll respondents also expressed support for other budget announcements that were unrelated to real estate. More than three in five of those surveyed – 63% – said they support the plan to create a new child care benefit worth $1,250 per month, and 61% said they are in favour of eliminating Medical Services Plan premiums by 2020. Sixty one per cent said they think creating a new payroll tax for employers is a good or very good idea.
@EmmaHampelBIV
