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 accepting applications from local governments, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations for nearly $136 million in infrastructure grants to help communities develop resilience in response to COVID-19.

Effective immediately, the Province is extending the freeze on rent increases until July 10, 2021, under the powers of the Emergency Program Act and COVID-19 Related Measures Act.

The Province is launching a new set of projects through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund with nearly 540 affordable rental homes on the way for people with low to moderate incomes.

British Columbia’s maximum annual allowable rent increase for 2021 is set at 1.4%, which is less than half of what it would have been prior to changes made by the Province in 2018.

Over 40 new supportive homes are open in New Westminster, providing safe, warm homes with around-the-clock care and supports to help women experiencing homelessness in the community.

The Province, through BC Housing, and the City of Vancouver, the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and the Pembina Institute, are working together to find ways to make homes safer, more energy-efficient and less polluting, while reducing heating costs for residents.

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