Targeted supports for people and businesses, increased vaccinations and the resilience of people and communities continue to drive a strong economic rebound in B.C. with second quarterly results showing a further reduction in the provincial deficit.

Premier John Horgan and Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, released the following statement in honour of the Transgender Day of Remembrance:

Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Now in its third year, the Speculation and Vacancy Tax (SVT) is raising significant revenue that goes directly into affordable housing in the five regions where the tax applies, while encouraging owners to rent or sell vacant units to those who need them.

To better protect consumers in B.C.’s real estate market, the Province is introducing legislation that requires cooling off periods for resale properties and newly built homes.

The B.C. government will be extending the deadline for pre-existing owners to file with the Land Owner Transparency Registry, giving reporting bodies with an interest in land more time to file a transparency report without incurring penalties.

As the largest single employer in the Province’s public sector, the Government of B.C. is safeguarding its workers, requiring that all direct government employees have the best defence against COVID-19 and variants by being fully vaccinated by Nov. 22, 2021.

Legislation that will update and improve the legislative framework for the creation and governance of British Columbia societies has been introduced.

The B.C. government is supporting the effort to increase vaccination rates throughout the province by making COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for B.C. public service employees.

A StrongerBC program that refunds businesses the PST paid on select machinery and equipment will be extended for an additional six months.