BC NDP boasts about 2.3% rent cap as cost of living escalates, housing supply remains inadequate, and British Columbians flee the province

VICTORIA, BC: While the BC NDP play up a 0.7% change in their annual allowable rent increase, the Conservative Party of BC caucus is stressing that housing issues in B.C. are more systemic and entrenched.

“After eight years of the BC NDP government, access to housing is still abysmal. Inflation is up, costs are up, people are leaving B.C., and the government wants to pat itself on the back for only increasing rents 2.3% instead of 3%,” said Linda Hepner, MLA for Surrey-Serpentine River and Official Opposition Critic for Housing.

“It’s a joke and families deserve better. What we need is an economy that works, supports business, and doesn’t chase investment and people away.”

Nearly 70,000 B.C. residents have left for other provinces – largely Alberta and Ontario – over the last few years, seeking lower housing costs and better wages.

“British Columbians are voting with their feet and leaving the province as costs escalate. Softwood manufactures are teetering on the edge of oblivion, and B.C. has historic levels of debt,” said Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre and Official Opposition Critic for Finance.

“While renters will be grateful to see only a 2.3% increase versus a 3% increase in their rent, the state of our economy and our province have everyone nervous and afraid of what shoe could drop next.”

“The BC NDP brags about capping increases below inflation but conveniently ignores that housing costs in B.C. have substantially increased under their watch,” said Milobar.

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Media Contact:
Lindsay Shepherd, Conservative Caucus Communications Team
lindsay.shepherd@leg.bc.ca
+1 778 744 8593