Image: B.C. Govt. / Flickr / Dec 14, 2022
OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Eby’s strata policy brings all chaos and no benefit

Jan 18, 2023 | 8:05 AM

Captain Chaos, also known as Premier David Eby, has struck again with botched strata legislation that is causing fear, confusion and concern among strata councils throughout British Columbia.

The NDP’s legislation, which removed age restrictions and requires buildings to accept renters has led to strata councils across the province increasingly moving to adopt a loophole limiting residency to those 55 years old and above. At the time, Eby argued this legislation would help people of all ages find affordable homes, but it seems that he has grossly miscalculated the impact of these changes. Instead of helping to alleviate the housing crisis, these changes are causing further distress for both strata councils and young families looking for homes.

I have been meeting with constituents that are angry at the NDP’s so-called solution to B.C.’s housing crisis, which seems to have only worsened the situation.

This failed legislation is a consequence of David Eby’s blatant lack of respect for B.C.’s democratic processes. The NDP government abruptly ended the parliamentary session last fall and forced these major political decisions through with no accountability, no consultation, and limited opportunity for the Opposition to ask questions. The NDP chose to ram through this significant legislation without doing their due diligence and without talking to the people who would actually be impacted by the changes.

Ironically, while the Premier and his cabinet initially celebrated the removal of most age restrictions, now that he has encountered pushback from the public, Eby has changed his mind, and in a recent interview suggested that strata councils adopting the 55+ loophole is “good news.” He went as far as to say that this loophole was always the intention of the policy change, completely contradicting comments from the former housing minister when the legislation was first introduced.

This confusion comes as no surprise following such a disappointing year for B.C.’s NDP government. Not only did they once again fail to deliver the $400 annual renters’ rebate they promised six years ago, but over halfway through their ten-year plan, the NDP have barely built 10 per cent of the housing they promised.

This legislation is clearly David Eby’s last-minute attempt at easing the worsening housing crisis. The fact that strata councils are now increasingly using the loophole Eby created to adopt 55+ age restrictions demonstrates the frustration and anger the NDP’s lack of consultation has caused. Rather than creating more housing for people of all ages, the Premier’s legislation has backed people into a corner and made the situation worse for everyone. It’s clear these changes are not working as intended and it’s time for the government to take another look at this misguided legislation.

Sloppy legislation passed without respect for democratic processes, no consultation and a clear lack of understanding has alienated and frustrated strata councils, making it even harder for families to find a home. The government needs to realize that its plan is not working. They are not delivering results, and the crisis is getting worse. Captain Chaos needs a new approach.

If you’re a constituent from Abbotsford-South riding and have concerns or questions about this botched policy, please feel free to email my office at bruce.banman.MLA@leg.bc.ca. I would be more than happy to meet with you as your MLA, help amplify your concerns to government and answer any questions you may have. Your voice is critical to our work in holding the government accountable.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.