"Unfortunately, B.C. recently undermined the measure:"...this is a sign of a poorly researched article, written too quickly.  B.C. "undermined" the measure because it was too heavy-handed in the first place: in addition to targeting non-resident buyers, it also caught permanent residents with work permits and local jobs contributing to the local economy paying Canadian taxes.  The intent of the 15% tax was to target non-residents who earned their money elsewhere and parked it in Vancouver (and some surrounding areas) real estate, which contributed to pricing locals out.  But legal permanent residents also ended up being penalized, even though they are employed in the local economy and contribute their fair share like any other Canadian.  Thus, exempting them from the 15% tax is just common sense, that was missing when the legislation was rushed through last summer.  I believe that the legislation was rushed and blunt, but at least it was a step in the right direction.