I have heard many times from people in my riding, that some of the biggest challenges they face are finding affordable housing – whether they are seniors, youth looking for their first apartment, or families of any age, everyone deserves an affordable place to call home. Looking back over the last seven months, I am pleased to say that the B.C. government has taken bold action for affordability, and will continue to make strides to provide secure housing for all.
- A commitment to the largest housing investment in the history of our province, building almost 34,000 units across the province – units of mixed-income social housing, new beds for students at colleges and universities, and units dedicated for people who are homeless.
- Giving B.C. workers a $15-an-hour minimum wage by June 2021.
- Working to make ICBC work for you again after years of BC Liberal neglect, while keeping rates affordable for B.C. drivers.
- We have already identified over $60 million in potential savings.
- Closed the fixed term lease loophole, protecting tenants from unfair rate hikes.
- Newly-formed Poverty Reduction Advisory Forum is listening to people across B.C. who are working to eliminate poverty
- Raised income assistance and disability rates by $100 per month
- Increased earnings exemptions for people on income and disability assistance by $200 a month
- Removed roadblocks to Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning
- Created a new transportation supplement for persons with disabilities that can be used for the renewed B.C. Disability Bus Pass Program or for other transportation needs.
- Gave post-secondary education tuition-waivers for youth aging out of the foster care system.