The premier of British Columbia has rejected calls for a ban on foreign buyers of real estate in the province.

John Horgan has reacted to the Green Party’s leader Andrew Weaver who has been calling for a ban similar to that implemented in New Zealand.

“I just don’t believe, in an open economy, that’s an appropriate way to proceed,” Mr Horgan said at a news conference Tuesday, adding that a ban would send the wrong message internationally.

He did acknowledge that something has to be done to tackle affordability issues in BC and said that there will be proposals in the budget to curb speculation, reduce demand and soften prices.

Mr Horgan says that the BC government will help boost the construction of rental apartments and single-family homes.

https://www.mortgagebrokernews.ca/market-update/no-ban-on-foreign-buyers-says-bc-premier-236401.aspx