Newsletter from MLA/Finance Minister Conroy
By Katrine Conroy
Last week Premier David Eby issued a heartfelt apology for historic wrongs against the Sons of Freedom children, including the effects on the descendants and community. The Government of British Columbia has committed to a $10 million recognition package and also recognizes the immediate need for these resources, especially for the elderly. In the coming months the Government will be working with the community to create the processes to administer the funds, and ensure supports are available by summer 2024. We will design and implement supports that are culturally appropriate. We are dedicated to ensuring that such wrongdoings never happen here again. We are grateful for the members of the community who have taken the time to share their thoughts and perspectives with us over the years, and most recently the last few months. We will continue to work together.
News release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AG0005-000127
Budget measures ensure homes are for people, not speculators
It’s clear that housing is one of the biggest challenges people in B.C. are facing, whether it’s finding housing, staying housed, or affording their homes. That’s why one of our government’s biggest priorities this year is making sure people can get the homes they need to live and thrive in British Columbia.
As we announced last week, we’re taking action through legislation and investment to create more housing and deliver housing to people who need it. This includes continuing to crack down on those who are using housing for profit and personal gain, and driving up prices.
Housing speculators and home “flippers” looking to make money from our housing crisis need to know they will have to pay their fair share for their profits, which is why we will be introducing a home flipping tax.
This comes in addition to the measures we’ve already take to curb housing speculation and profiteering, like introducing the speculation and vacancy tax, and restricting short term rentals in some cities.
When people can find homes they can afford and can stay in for the long-term, it allows them to find stable jobs in their communities, find childcare nearby, support family in the area, and get to know their neighbours. It’s progress for all regular people in B.C. who want a place they can call home.
B.C. strengthens information sharing protections in child welfare legislation
We’re adding new procedural safeguards in the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA). This will enhance personal privacy protections while supporting child protection needs through amended legislation that also removes barriers to Indigenous jurisdiction. This legislation was developed in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous partners, regional health authorities and the BC Civil Liberties Association.
Premier’s, minister’s statements on Pink Shirt Day
We all have a responsibility to stand up against bullying. Bullying remains a pervasive problem that has become even more insidious in the age of social media. We recently took action to protect young people from online threats, restrict cellphones in schools and hold social media companies accountable for the harm they have caused.
Minimum wage increases to $17.40 an hour on June 1
B.C. has gone from having one of the lowest minimum wages in the country to the highest of all the provinces. We made a commitment to tie minimum-wage increases to the rate of inflation to prevent B.C.’s lowest-paid workers from falling behind. The general minimum wage increases from $16.75 to $17.40 per hour on June 1, 2024.
Province introduces municipal affairs statutes amendments act
If passed this bill will: Improve the quality and timeliness of reporting for the Municipal Finance Authority, Speed up administrative processes for dog licensing and landscaping in the City of Vancouver, and Update the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Act.
Minister’s statement on lives lost to poisoned drugs in January
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in January.
