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

More COVID-19 tickets issued during second wave

The provinces have now reached over $24 million in fines issued since the outset of the pandemic, which is really an astounding amount of money.

More COVID-19 tickets issued during second wave

B.C. money laundering inquiry to wrap testimony

Cullen is expected to complete his report by Dec. 15. It is expected to include recommendations that address the conditions that enabled money laundering to flourish in B.C.

B.C. money laundering inquiry to wrap testimony

COVID-19 may be factor in public gang violence

Martin Bouchard, a professor in Simon Fraser University's school of criminology, says the pandemic has changed people's routines and they aren't getting out of their homes often, which could play a role in the brazen nature of shootings.

COVID-19 may be factor in public gang violence

Expect more reactions from mixing vaccines: study

Preliminary results of an ongoing study in the United Kingdom suggest alternating the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines causes more frequent mild to moderate symptoms, but there are no other safety concerns from mixing those vaccines.

Expect more reactions from mixing vaccines: study

Unpaid COVID fines linked to B.C. driver's licence

People who don't pay their COVID-19 fines may be unable to obtain or renew a British Columbia driver's or vehicle licence under proposed legislation introduced Wednesday.

Unpaid COVID fines linked to B.C. driver's licence

B.C. helps fund new ALS research position at UBC

The province says the dedicated clinician and scientist will support patients living with the disease through care and research for a cure, with the goal of increasing patients' access to local clinical trials.