Thursday May 16, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC
Political analysis by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Folks in BC may not realize, that the work of the BC Legislative Assembly continues into some late afternoons and evenings.
On Wednesday evening May 15, the Budget Estimates debate went on until about 9 pm.
Premier David Day answered questions from the Opposition leader about Budget Estimates related to the Premier’s office and other areas of Budget 2024.
Topics included seniors, affordability, housing, public safety, and travel expenses.
Housing commentary:
Today in the late afternoon session the BC Greens challenged the Premier that the housing approach in Budget 2024 is targeted at middle-income property owners and investors. The Premier said about using a range of ways to bring more housing supply into BC communities: “It’s absolutely necessary and we’re going to keep doing it.”
“We have made a number of interventions into the housing market,” said Eby, listing off affordable housing, more student housing, and clamping down on short term rentals. He articulated that the BC population increases by 10,000 people every 37 days.
The NDP government approach has been about “eliminating a lot of the process that slowed down the construction” of homes.
“We need the private sector, non profit, government and First Nations,” said Eby, adding that government needs to “control the excess” on the investment side.
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NEWS SECTIONS: POLITICS | BC ELECTION 2024