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

Merritt RCMP investigating series of early morning shootings

Police believe all the incidents are related and targeted. The investigation is currently in the extremely early stages and investigators are prioritizing their efforts and task as they gather evidence as well as speak to witnesses.

Merritt RCMP investigating series of early morning shootings

Flu epidemic has begun as rates soar: PHAC

The agency's FluWatch report says Canada has now entered a flu epidemic, which is declared most years after the threshold of a 5 per cent positivity rate is surpassed. It says the week of Oct. 30 to Nov. 5 saw a test positivity rate of 11.7 per cent, compared to 6.3 per cent the previous week.

Flu epidemic has begun as rates soar: PHAC

Trudeau pledges cash for infrastructure, vaccines

It's the largest funding agreement the Liberals have made as part of their forthcoming Indo-Pacific strategy, and part of a G20 project meant to help low- and middle-income countries have safer and more sustainable cities.

Trudeau pledges cash for infrastructure, vaccines

Kids' medicine coming, but no detail on how much

Senior officials are answering questions at a House of Commons committee as hospitals and nervous parents with sick kids at home struggle to find children's Tylenol and Advil.

Kids' medicine coming, but no detail on how much

Bird flu fighters face unprecedented challenge

By some measures, the ongoing outbreaks of avian flu in British Columbia pale when compared to the devastating eruption of the disease in 2004 that prompted a cull of 17 million birds. But the enemy that farmers and scientists now face represents an unprecedented challenge, experts say.

Bird flu fighters face unprecedented challenge

Surrey, B.C., to keep RCMP as sole police force

Council voted 5-4 in favour of keeping the federal force, as Mayor Brenda Locke and the four councillors elected under her Surrey Connect banner made good on an election promise to end the transition to the Surrey Police Service.