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

Police acting as 'social workers' at risk: officer

Sgt. Steve Addison said the stabbing death of RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang in Burnaby, B.C., this week has highlighted the fact that officers are increasingly ending up in potentially dangerous situations.

Police acting as 'social workers' at risk: officer

David Eby to be declared B.C.'s NDP leader

There's no word on when Eby will be sworn in as premier, but outgoing Premier John Horgan says he fully supports him and accused Appadurai's campaign of resorting to tactics of "thuggery." Eby, the former B.C. attorney general and housing minister, says he will also lay out plans today for his first 100 days in office.

David Eby to be declared B.C.'s NDP leader

First rain in over a month dampens southern B.C.

Rain is expected to continue through Saturday and into next week and shishalh Nation Chief Warren Paull anticipates the Sechelt area could receive as much as 35 millimetres from the expected round of systems, but says much more is needed.

First rain in over a month dampens southern B.C.

Surrey RCMP warn of high potency batch of Fentanyl circulating in North Surrey

Surrey RCMP is warning the public of a batch of high potency Fentanyl circulating and reminding people using street drugs to take appropriate precautions. There is high potency Fentanyl circulating in the North Surrey area, which increases the risk of overdose.

Surrey RCMP warn of high potency batch of Fentanyl circulating in North Surrey

Truss exit may stall Canada-U.K. trade deal

U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss stepped down today after a mere six weeks in office following ministers' resignations over her controversial tax policies. The ruling Conservative Party says it will elect a new leader in a week, who will then install a new cabinet.

Truss exit may stall Canada-U.K. trade deal

Two homicides believed connected in Saanich, B.C.

One man is in custody. Police say the public is not believed to be at risk. A statement from the Saanich Police Department says its officers are working with major crime investigators.