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

Liberals ready another budget under cloudy outlook

Three-decade-high inflation rates may climb further. Unemployment is low, but labour shortages are widespread. Housing prices continue to rise at paces not seen in years.

Liberals ready another budget under cloudy outlook

One dead in Surrey apartment building fire

Surrey RCMP were called to the building on 107a Ave. near King George Blvd. at about 8:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a lower floor suite fully engulfed in flames, and began evacuating the building.

One dead in Surrey apartment building fire

Woman pleads guilty after child's death in daycare

The British Columbia Prosecution Service says Susy Yasmine Saad entered the guilty plea in court on Monday to a single count affecting nine children, including one child who died.

Woman pleads guilty after child's death in daycare

Victim assualted with a hatchet and robbed of their bag

At this time it is believed this was an unprovoked attack and the victim and suspect are not known to each other. The charges of one count of Aggravated Assault and one count of robbery against 30 year old Abdulkadir Hassan of Burnaby have been approved by Crown Counsel.

Victim assualted with a hatchet and robbed of their bag

258 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

Also, 93.8% (4,058,015) of all eligible adults in B.C. have received their first dose, 91.5% (3,957,889) received their second dose and 59.5% (2,573,327) have received a third dose.

258 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

B.C. police watchdog understaffed as cases spike

In the first three days of April, the police watchdog says it responded to six incidents, including two officer shootings, which highlights the significant staffing challenges.