B.C.'s new housing minister says renters' rebate, other relief measures could be coming in 2023
Premier David Eby signalled how much of a priority housing affordability is to the province by creating the first standalone ministry to deal with issues and tapping Ravi Kahlon to lead the file.
Kahlon was sworn in Wednesday and a day later, told CTV News he already had several meetings set up with municipal mayors to find out their challenges and seek solutions. He said he knows Eby has an aggressive plan to tackle housing.
"He's been going at an incredible pace, and I've tightened up my laces and I'm going to try to keep up with him," Kahlon told CTV News.
The new housing minister wants to get homes built faster, increase supply and work better with all levels of government. The NDP campaigned on making life, including housing, more affordable in 2017 and subsequently set a goal to build 110,000 units.
Critics say the government has fallen short of that goal, something Kahlon disputes.
"There's been substantial investments – historic level investments – being made across the province, but we have some structural issues that we need to address," Kahlon said adding the speed of building and zoning approvals is a priority for him.
Tom Davidoff, an associate professor with UBC's Sauder School of business, who specializes in housing, praised the emphasis the government is putting on getting municipalities to change their ways.
There has been a reluctance by municipal officials to "act in the collective interest" when it comes to housing for years, Davidoff says.
"And so we've seen lots and lots of reluctance to allow the sorts of housing that most British Columbians can afford," he added.
Affordability is a key pillar of the new premier's housing plan -- and right now, labour shortages and high interest rates threaten to push prices up.
Andy Yan is the director of the City program at SFU and noted housing is a complex file. He said Kahlon will need to figure out things like how to strike the right balance between market and non-market units.
"I think the initiative towards empowering non-profits as well as the development of co-op housing is another element. It's important to note that how that's going to be developed throughout the province that I think is really touching upon the mandate of the new minister," Yan said.
Last month Eby announced an end to nearly all rental bans in strata units, and a way to force municipalities to build supply. The premier also said a plan to deal with short-term rentals is on the way.
Davidoff said some type of tax may work in that regard.
"If we really make sure that there's a tax payer regularly working out of every address in the province or else the speculation tax is paid. Well that would create quite a disincentive to have units permanently Air-bnb’d, so that's probably the right approach."
Yan said Eby seems to be starting with more of the straightforward elements of housing policy and a plan would need to balance supply and demand in several areas like flipping and short-term rentals.
Along with a new housing strategy early next year, Kahlon said relief is coming and various measures are being considered.
"We're looking at the renters rebate and we're looking at a whole host of measures to support renters, and in some cases, landlords that are feeling challenged as well," Kahlon said.
A renter's rebate was also a campaign promise the BC NDP led by John Horgan made in 2017 and again in 2020.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.