Jason Anson, a realtor from the Cowichan Valley, has filed a complaint with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia against BC Assessment (BCA) alleging systemic non-compliance with the province’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Anson claims BCA is hindering access to information regarding the success rate of property assessment appeals and is charging unreasonable fees for FOI requests. He argues that the lack of transparency leaves the public in the dark about the fairness of the appeals process.
A realtor from the Cowichan Valley has lodged a complaint regarding BC Assessment with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia
“Instead of straightforward answers, I faced delays, roadblocks, and an unreasonable fee ,” he said. “I’m calling for greater transparency in BCA’s appeals process. Despite BCA’s claim that 98 per cent of homeowners accept their property valuations without appealing, I’m arguing the public is being left in the dark about the actual outcomes of those who do challenge their assessments.
Anson said his work with the Youbou Appeals Group in 2023 revealed just how inaccessible the system is. Anson’s efforts over the past two years have resulted in more than $15 million in reductions for property owners, but he believes broader accountability is needed.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION PROPERTY TAXES APPEALS TRANSPARENCY BC ASSESSMENT
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