The final legislative session for the 42nd parliament delivered action to help people in B.C. with new laws and measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, delivering more homes for people with middle incomes and improving public health care.

Improvements to the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program and a one-time rental benefit of $430 will bring relief for families and seniors with low incomes who are receiving a rent subsidy through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and SAFER program.

B.C. is taking action to target housing speculation to make sure more people can find an affordable home in the communities where they live and work.

The Province has updated the Provincial Policy Manual: Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA manual) to ensure local governments are supported in delivering the housing and amenities people need in areas near transit hubs.

Investigating and accessing information about land ownership in B.C. is about to get easier for law enforcement agencies, journalists and researchers with the elimination of search fees for the Province’s Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR).

More renters with low to moderate incomes will be able to get financial support as the Province provides additional funding to BC Rent Bank to help people sustain their housing when faced with an unanticipated financial challenge.