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

Canada to match Red Cross donations for Ukraine

The campaign, which is to begin today and run until March 18, will see the government match donations by Canadians dollar for dollar to a maximum of $10 million, says a senior government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss matters not yet public.

Canada to match Red Cross donations for Ukraine

Canada's pandemic future still uncertain, Tam says

Dr. Theresa Tam says she hopes Canada is past the pandemic crisis and is now in a transition phase, headed toward recovery. She says Canada must still be ready to bring some public health measures back if cases begin to shoot up again.

Canada's pandemic future still uncertain, Tam says

B.C. premier to make swearing-in announcement

A statement from the premier's office provides few details about the nature of the announcement other than to confirm Horgan will be available to answer questions after the swearing-in.

B.C. premier to make swearing-in announcement

Suspect enters fast food restaurant in Surrey and takes off with cash register

Staff from the restaurant immediately called 911, as they observed the suspect depart and noted his direction of travel. The suspect allegedly stopped and threatened the staff members with a weapon.

Suspect enters fast food restaurant in Surrey and takes off with cash register

Coquitlam stabbing victim identified

To further the investigation, the victim has been identified as 66-year-old Terry Miller of Coquitlam. There was a second victim, also stabbed, but is recovering.

Coquitlam stabbing victim identified

B.C. cabinet in line for 'pay raise': Opposition

Horgan's annual salary is about $211,000 a year, while cabinet ministers are paid about $167,000, but the 10 per cent that is withheld is only on the portion of their incomes that relate to their cabinet positions.