National

B.C. Premier David Eby's housing bills move ahead

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Nov, 2022 12:12 PM

VICTORIA - The first two pieces of legislation proposed by Premier David Eby have passed second reading and return to the legislature today as he follows through on a pledge to act quickly on key issues facing British Columbia.

The Housing Supply Act and Building and Strata Statutes Amendment Act both passed Tuesday after time limits were imposed on debate.

Big problems demand bold action. I'm committed to building a province where everyone has the opportunity for a good home.

Here's how ➡️ https://t.co/orr0KYAmx9 pic.twitter.com/kv8mXgwnJ3
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) November 23, 2022

New Democrats and the two Green Party members voted in favour while Opposition Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon and the other 25 BC Liberal members opposed the bills.

The legislation aims to increase housing supply with measures that will end several rental restrictions and have the potential to force local governments to meet housing growth targets.

Criticism of the bills includes concern that housing growth targets aren't clearly defined, potentially affecting everything from official community plans to efforts to limit urban sprawl or address climate adaptation.

With the fall session set to conclude Thursday, Eby must move quickly after being sworn-in less than a week ago following former premier John Horgan's decision to give up the leadership for health reasons.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Four ride-hail operators deemed 'unlicensed, unsafe, and unwelcome' and fined nearly $1800

As well, each of the operators received a Notice and Order requiring an immediate inspection of their vehicle. Officers removed (towed) one of the vehicles from the scene.

Four ride-hail operators deemed 'unlicensed, unsafe, and unwelcome' and fined nearly $1800

Training for Canadian students on use of naloxone

The Public Health Agency of Canada reported more than 5,386 deaths related to opioids between January and September 2021. The majority of the deaths — 94 per cent — were accidental.

Training for Canadian students on use of naloxone

Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates to end: sources

The new rules are expected to come into effect on June 20, though the requirements for foreign nationals coming to Canada will not change, say two government sources close to the decision, who were granted anonymity to speak about matters they were not authorized to discuss publicly.

Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates to end: sources

Hill false bomb tippers should be prosecuted: WSO

Police have not answered questions about the two men's account of events and released few details about the “potential threat” that prompted an evacuation of Parliament and closure of surrounding streets for several hours on Saturday.

Hill false bomb tippers should be prosecuted: WSO

New drug price rules may mean big savings: PBO

The changes are expected to come into effect on July 1, after being pushed back four times during the pandemic. The PBO says in a newly released report that if the changes had been in place in 2018, Canada would have spent 19 per cent less, representing about $2.8 billion.

New drug price rules may mean big savings: PBO

Two dead, one of them shot by B.C. police: RCMP

Police say in a statement they were called Monday to a report of a homicide at a local marina with hostages being involved. When officers arrived, they learned the male suspect was alone and attempts were made to negotiate with the man, who police say had a weapon.