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B.C. New Democrat government makes pledges to homebuyers, renters, in throne speech

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Feb, 2024 04:41 PM

British Columbia's New Democrat government is pledging more homes for first-time buyers and eviction protection for renters in a throne speech that promises affordability measures in this week's budget.

The throne speech, read in the legislature by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, says the government is putting forward a vision where everyone can get ahead and no one is left behind.

Join us live as Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin opens the fifth session of the 42nd Parliament of British Columbia and reads the speech from the throne that will outline how we are taking action for you. https://t.co/tkLDTxsndn
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) February 20, 2024

The speech marks the start of the spring legislative session and comes ahead of the provincial budget on Thursday which is less than nine months from the provincial election.

Austin told the legislature that housing is a generational challenge in B.C. and the government will not tinker at the edges to fix the problem, but will continue its goal to build thousands of affordable homes for middle-income earners.

The speech says the government will introduce actions this spring to protect renters from "bad-faith evictions," and help first-time buyers enter the housing market.

It says the government will also introduce legislation connected to the sextortion suicide of 12-year-old Carson Cleland of Prince George, and the similar death of 15-year-old Amanda Todd, to shed light on bullying, cyber bullying and online safety.

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