When the B.C. Liberals recalled the legislature Monday to enable Vancouver to impose a special tax on residential vacancies, they made a point of underscoring the quick turnaround on the request from Mayor Gregor Robertson.
“Two weeks ago to the day,” said finance minister and government house leader Mike de Jong, referring to the June 27 face-to-face where he and the mayor first discussed the proposed addition to the city’s taxing powers.
Indeed, by the time the house reconvenes July 25, a mere month will have elapsed since Robertson pitched the tax as a way to shore up the dwindling supply of rental housing in the city.
VAUGHN PALMER – Vancouver Sun – July 12, 2016.