Criticism around the negative options billing approach to collecting information determining who will or will not pay the speculation tax is not phasing the Premier.

John Horgan says if it helps make housing more affordable it is well worth a few minutes to fill out speculation tax forms.

“I am pleased to see the vast majority of those who were saying that the sky was falling as citizens had to fill out a form, two to four minutes of civic activity, to try and get speculation out of the market place is not too much to ask. I think those who were declaring the world was coming to an end because of a form are looking a little bit silly today as people take a look at this and say this is not so difficult.”

Horgan says most British Columbians are not impacted by the tax, which he says is focused in large population centres with a near zero vacancy rate and out of control housing prices.

“If it can help us make sure our kids can afford live in our communities it is worth the two to four minutes to fill out the form.”

All homeowners in the lower mainland, Nanaimo, southern Vancouver Island, Kelowna, and West Kelowna are required to fill out the form to determine if the tax applies.