Opposition to tax plan

Photo: Nicholas Johansen

Dan Albas speaks at Okanagan College Thursday night.

About 25 people showed up to a town hall discussion hosted by MP Dan Albas at Okanagan College Thursday night on the federal government's proposed tax changes.

The Liberals say the hotly debated changes would see an end to “unfair” tax advantages for business owners, while Conservatives say the changes will hurt middle-class small business owners.

Despite Albas (Tory MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola) calling the proposal one of the most controversial things he's seen as a member of Parliament, the tone of the event was civil, and differing opinions were expressed.

Albas said business owners in Canada don't want to be made to feel like “freeloaders.”

“I've gone to roundtable after roundtable, and inevitably someone says something like this: 'I had dinner with my kids the other day, and I told them, whatever you do, don't go into small business,'” Albas said.

“Did you read my email?” someone in the crowd replied, garnering laughter.

Albas said Ottawa should be telling small businesses they're needed in Canada.

He also talked about changes to Canadian mortgage rules put in place last year that require borrowers to undergo a “stress test” to ensure they can handle a potential increase in mortgage rates.

Albas said the rules have stopped some people from being able to get a mortgage, forcing them to continue renting, and driving up rental prices.