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

Canadian trial suggests benefits of remdesivir

A Canadian study suggests the antiviral medication remdesivir could have a "modest but significant effect" on COVID-19 patient outcomes, including decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation by approximately 50 per cent. The study, published Wednesday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, is billed as the largest single-country trial of remdesivir reported to date.

Canadian trial suggests benefits of remdesivir

B.C. doubles relief grants for certain businesses

A statement from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation says businesses including event venues, bars, nightclubs and lounges that don't serve full meals are eligible for grants of up to $20,000, based on staffing levels.

B.C. doubles relief grants for certain businesses

Woman thrown against wall of hotel by attacker in Downtown: VPD

The victim, a 22-year-old woman, was walking along West Georgia Street in front of Hotel Georgia when she was suddenly grabbed by a man, walking in the opposite direction, on December 31 at around 3:30 p.m. She was thrown against the exterior wall of the hotel and held down.

Woman thrown against wall of hotel by attacker in Downtown: VPD

Antiviral on its way to provinces and territories

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the first shipment of an oral COVID-19 pill is making its way across Canada but is no substitute for vaccination against the rapidly spreading virus. The anti-viral drug Paxlovid is meant to protect against hospitalization and death.

Antiviral on its way to provinces and territories

Unvaccinated military face uphill battle: lawyer

Controversy over mandatory vaccinations for the military has re-emerged during the pandemic, with chief of the defence staff Gen. Wayne Eyre ordering all personnel to be inoculated against COVID-19.

Unvaccinated military face uphill battle: lawyer

PBO report questions need for stimulus spending

In a report this morning, Yves Giroux says the federal guardrails designed to guide spending decisions appear to have been met, suggesting any stimulus should be wound down before the fiscal year ends in March.