Eby says sale of his Victoria condo a ‘manufactured scandal’

The sale of Premier David Eby’s condominium in Victoria has become embroiled in the debate over the New Democrat government’s proposed law on short-term rental accommodations.

The Opposition BC United accused Eby on Tuesday of largely profiting from the sale of his condominium in 2019 because it was in a building complex that did not have rental restrictions.

Housing critic Karin Kirkpatrick told the legislature that Eby sold the condo for $150,000 more than he originally paid, capitalizing on the province’s explosion in short-term rentals.

The government introduced proposed legislation this month that takes aim at rapidly expanding short-term rentals in B.C. in an effort to increase badly needed long-term rental housing.

Renee Merrifield, an Opposition member of the legislature from Kelowna, referred to Eby in the house as “condo king,” who cashed in by selling his Airbnb-friendly apartment.

But Eby calls the dispute a “manufactured scandal,” saying he sold the condo where he was living with his family to buyers who bought the property for one of their children attending post-secondary education in Victoria.

“I did not market the property for short-term rental,” Eby said at a news conference at the legislature.