In September 2019, the governments of Canada and B.C. created the Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability to identify measures that could build on government investments and initiatives already underway to help more people find affordable housing in British Columbia.

David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, and Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, have issued the following statement on the passing of Katherine McParland, B.C. Housing board commissioner:

The Province is extending temporary measures to support the restaurant and hospitality sector.

Government is extending the temporary authorization that permits food-primary and liquor-primary licensees to sell and deliver sealed, packaged liquor products alongside the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government is continuing to support cannabis workers and provide greater flexibility in the legal non-medical cannabis industry.

The Province has approved a temporary wholesale pricing model that will allow liquor licensees to purchase beer, wine and spirits at reduced cost.

The Province is providing temporary relief to hospitality licensees who have had to suspend their operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government has taken action to support the province’s hospitality sector by temporarily authorizing the expansion of service areas, such as patios, to support physical distancing requirements and industry recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The British Columbia Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) remains open, and to help people resolve disputes during the COVID-19 pandemic, is extending statutory deadlines and waiving fees for those struggling financially.

Limitation periods to commence court proceedings in British Columbia have been suspended, and statutory decision-makers have been provided discretion to waive, suspend or extend time periods related to their powers.