Rep. Brian Higgins is urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to take a stand against Canada’s “discriminatory” campaign against foreign property owners, which is set to take effect in April. The one percent levy applies to certain foreign non-resident owners of Canadian property located in areas with a core population of at least 10,000 people. In addition, the federal government has imposed a two-year ban on the purchase of property in Canada by foreign non-residents. John DeLuce, a former Buffalo congressman, is among those affected by the measures, which he considers an affront to the strong Canada-U.S. relationship. In his letter to Blinken, Higgins argued that the policy violates the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and should be addressed in upcoming bilateral meetings. He is asking Blinken to ensure the issue is brought up when President Joe Biden visits Canada for the first time as president. Higgins stated that the tax will impose an unnecessary burden on hardworking Americans and that the available exemptions don’t go far enough. He believes this action will threaten the unique relationship between the two countries and must be addressed.
US critics urge Biden admin to oppose Canada’s foreign property tax, which they deem “xenophobic”.
