While I don't necessarily disagree, a lot of people would be hurting come property tax time if the HOG were to suddenly disappear. What's only $500 extra to some people would be a hardship to others; the property rich, income poor folks especially.
Getting rid of MSP premiums would be a much better place to start in disposing of costly to administer programs that could be funded alternatively.
If a government were ever to get rid of the HOG they could just extend the tax deferment option to ALL owner occupiers to soften the blow. As it is a huge percentage of BC owner occupiers already qualify for tax deferment.
- at least one of the owners over 55
- widowed and not re-married (any age)
- disabled
- dependent kids or stepkids under 18
- kids or stepkids of any age attending post-secondary
- disabled dependent kids
While it would be good policy to get rid of the HOG and cut another provincial tax I doubt it will happen for the reasons folks have outlined. Bottom line - it is easy to fool people by taking their money and giving it back.