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

Charges as men drugged, robbed while using escorts

Surrey RCMP says an investigation began after its community response unit linked multiple reports of victims being drugged and robbed. In one case in February 2021, a man died, allegedly after being given a substance during an encounter.

Charges as men drugged, robbed while using escorts

Drought and moths push Stanley Park trees to brink

The trees of Stanley Park, typically the green jewel of Vancouver's downtown core, just can't catch a break. Experts say large numbers of browning trees appear dead or dying, because of a one-two combination of foliage-munching grubs and an exceptionally dry weather spell, with the last appreciable rain falling in Vancouver on Sept. 4.

Drought and moths push Stanley Park trees to brink

3 vehicle collision leaves one dead in Abbotsford

Upon arrival, emergency service workers located a three-vehicle collision. One of the drivers was found suffering from serious life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital, but sadly succumbed to his injuries.

3 vehicle collision leaves one dead in Abbotsford

Suspect arrested and charged following assault of teenager in Westminster Pier Park

The injuries sustained by the teenager required hospital treatment. Following a thorough investigation, police identified and arrested the suspect. 30-year-old Devin Monteleone of Burnaby, BC, has been charged with the assault causing bodily harm.

Suspect arrested and charged following assault of teenager in Westminster Pier Park

Recall against B.C. politician Harwinder Sandhu fails: Elections BC

The British Columbia recall petition launched against Harwinder Sandhu, the member of the legislature for Vernon-Monashee, was a failure. Elections BC says in a statement the recall petition was not submitted by the Oct. 11 deadline under the Recall and Initiative Act.

Recall against B.C. politician Harwinder Sandhu fails: Elections BC

Aritzia earnings rise on online, in-person sales

Retail experts have said Aritzia has successfully developed a faithful customer base in recent years, and that momentum is expected to continue. They said Aritzia is somewhere between luxury and fast-fashion, selling to middle-class and upper-middle-class consumers. Liza Amlani of Retail Strategy Group said the brand is seen as “aspirational” to many shoppers.