First Session, 42nd Parliament

OFFICIAL REPORT OF DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Issue No. 18

THE HONOURABLE , SPEAKER

ISSN 1499-2175 PROVINCE OF (Entered Confederation July 20, 1871)

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

First Session, 42nd Parliament

SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Honourable Raj Chouhan

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Premier and President of the Executive Council ...... Hon. Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training...... Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries...... Hon. Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing ...... Hon. , QC Minister of Children and Family Development ...... Hon. Minister of State for Child Care...... Hon. Minister of Citizens’ Services...... Hon. Minister of Education ...... Hon. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation ...... Hon. , QC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy...... Hon. Minister of Finance ...... Hon. Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development ...... Hon. Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations...... Hon. Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Francophone Afairs...... Hon. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation ...... Hon. , QC Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation...... Hon. Minister of State for Trade...... Hon. Minister of Labour ...... Hon. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions...... Hon. Minister of Municipal Afairs ...... Hon. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ...... Hon. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction...... Hon. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport ...... Hon. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure...... Hon. Minister of State for Infrastructure ...... Hon.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Leader of the Ofcial Opposition...... Leader of the Tird Party ...... Deputy Speaker...... Assistant Deputy Speaker...... Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole ...... Ronna-Rae Leonard Clerk of the Legislative Assembly ...... Kate Ryan-Lloyd Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel...... Seunghee Suzie Seo Clerk Assistant, Parliamentary Services...... Artour Sogomonian Clerk of Committees...... Jennifer Arril Clerk Assistant, Committees and Interparliamentary Relations ...... Susan Sourial Senior Research Analyst...... Karan Riarh Acting Sergeant-at-Arms...... Greg Nelson ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MEMBERS LIST OF MEMBERS BY RIDING Alexis, Pam (BC NDP) ...... Abbotsford-Mission Abbotsford-Mission...... Anderson, Brittny (BC NDP) ...... Nelson-Creston Abbotsford South...... Ashton, Dan (BC Liberal Party)...... Penticton Abbotsford West...... Michael de Jong, QC Babchuk, Michele (BC NDP)...... North Island Boundary-Similkameen...... Bailey, Brenda (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–False Creek Burnaby–Deer Lake...... Hon. Anne Kang Bains, Hon. Harry (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Newton Burnaby-Edmonds...... Hon. Raj Chouhan Banman, Bruce (BC Liberal Party) ...... Abbotsford South Burnaby-Lougheed...... Hon. Katrina Chen Beare, Hon. Lisa (BC NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows Burnaby North ...... Begg, Garry (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Guildford Cariboo-Chilcotin ...... Bernier, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ...... Peace River South Cariboo North...... Bond, Shirley (BC Liberal Party)...... Prince George–Valemount Chilliwack ...... Brar, Jagrup (BC NDP)...... Surrey-Fleetwood Chilliwack-Kent ...... Cadieux, Stephanie (BC Liberal Party) ...... Surrey South Columbia River–Revelstoke ...... Chandra Herbert, Spencer (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–West End Coquitlam–Burke Mountain...... Chant, Susie (BC NDP) ...... North Vancouver–Seymour Coquitlam-Maillardville ...... Hon. Selina Robinson Chen, Hon. Katrina (BC NDP) ...... Burnaby-Lougheed Courtenay-Comox...... Ronna-Rae Leonard Chouhan, Hon. Raj (BC NDP)...... Burnaby-Edmonds Cowichan Valley ...... Sonia Furstenau Chow, Hon. George (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Fraserview Delta North...... Hon. Ravi Kahlon Clovechok, Doug (BC Liberal Party)...... Columbia River–Revelstoke Delta South ...... Conroy, Hon. Katrine (BC NDP)...... Kootenay West Esquimalt-Metchosin ...... Hon. Mitzi Dean Coulter, Dan (BC NDP) ...... Chilliwack Fraser-Nicola ...... Cullen, Hon. Nathan (BC NDP) ...... Stikine Kamloops–North Tompson ...... Davies, Dan (BC Liberal Party)...... Peace River North Kamloops–South Tompson...... de Jong, Michael, QC (BC Liberal Party)...... Abbotsford West Kelowna–Lake Country ...... Norm Letnick Dean, Hon. Mitzi (BC NDP) ...... Esquimalt-Metchosin Kelowna-Mission ...... Renee Merrifeld D’Eith, Bob (BC NDP) ...... Maple Ridge–Mission Kelowna West ...... Dix, Hon. Adrian (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kingsway Kootenay East...... Doerkson, Lorne (BC Liberal Party) ...... Cariboo-Chilcotin Kootenay West...... Hon. Katrine Conroy Donnelly, Fin (BC NDP) ...... Coquitlam–Burke Mountain Langford–Juan de Fuca ...... Hon. John Horgan Dykeman, Megan (BC NDP)...... Langley East Langley ...... Eby, Hon. David, QC (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–Point Grey Langley East...... Elmore, Mable (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Kensington Maple Ridge–Mission...... Bob D’Eith Farnworth, Hon. Mike (BC NDP) ...... Port Coquitlam Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows...... Hon. Lisa Beare Fleming, Hon. Rob (BC NDP) ...... Victoria–Swan Lake Mid Island–Pacifc Rim...... Hon. Josie Osborne Furstenau, Sonia (BC Green Party) ...... Cowichan Valley Nanaimo...... Hon. Sheila Malcolmson Glumac, Rick (BC NDP) ...... Port Moody–Coquitlam Nanaimo–North Cowichan...... Greene, Kelly (BC NDP) ...... Richmond-Steveston Nechako Lakes...... Halford, Trevor (BC Liberal Party)...... Surrey–White Rock Nelson-Creston ...... Heyman, Hon. George (BC NDP) ...... Vancouver-Fairview ...... Hon. Jennifer Whiteside Horgan, Hon. John (BC NDP) ...... Langford–Juan de Fuca North Coast ...... Kahlon, Hon. Ravi (BC NDP) ...... Delta North North Island...... Kang, Hon. Anne (BC NDP) ...... Burnaby–Deer Lake North Vancouver–Lonsdale...... Hon. Bowinn Ma Kirkpatrick, Karin (BC Liberal Party)...... West Vancouver–Capilano North Vancouver–Seymour...... Kyllo, Greg (BC Liberal Party)...... Shuswap Oak Bay–Gordon Head...... Hon. Murray Rankin, QC Lee, Michael (BC Liberal Party)...... Vancouver-Langara Parksville-Qualicum...... Adam Walker Leonard, Ronna-Rae (BC NDP)...... Courtenay-Comox Peace River North ...... Letnick, Norm (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kelowna–Lake Country Peace River South ...... Lore, Grace (BC NDP)...... Victoria–Beacon Hill Penticton ...... Ma, Hon. Bowinn (BC NDP)...... North Vancouver–Lonsdale Port Coquitlam...... Hon. Mike Farnworth Malcolmson, Hon. Sheila (BC NDP)...... Nanaimo Port Moody–Coquitlam...... Mark, Hon. Melanie (BC NDP)...... Vancouver–Mount Pleasant Powell River–Sunshine Coast...... Hon. Nicholas Simons Mercier, Andrew (BC NDP) ...... Langley Prince George–Mackenzie...... Merrifeld, Renee (BC Liberal Party)...... Kelowna-Mission Prince George–Valemount ...... Shirley Bond Milobar, Peter (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kamloops–North Tompson Richmond North Centre...... Morris, Mike (BC Liberal Party) ...... Prince George–Mackenzie Richmond-Queensborough...... Oakes, Coralee (BC Liberal Party)...... Cariboo North Richmond South Centre ...... Olsen, Adam (BC Green Party)...... Saanich North and the Islands Richmond-Steveston ...... Osborne, Hon. Josie (BC NDP)...... Mid Island–Pacifc Rim Saanich North and the Islands ...... Paddon, Kelli (BC NDP) ...... Chilliwack-Kent Saanich South ...... Hon. Lana Popham Paton, Ian (BC Liberal Party) ...... Delta South Shuswap...... Popham, Hon. Lana (BC NDP)...... Saanich South Skeena...... Ralston, Hon. Bruce, QC (BC NDP) ...... Surrey-Whalley Stikine...... Hon. Nathan Cullen Rankin, Hon. Murray, QC (BC NDP) ...... Oak Bay–Gordon Head Surrey-Cloverdale ...... Rice, Jennifer (BC NDP) ...... North Coast Surrey-Fleetwood...... Jagrup Brar Robinson, Hon. Selina (BC NDP)...... Coquitlam-Maillardville Surrey–Green Timbers...... Ross, Ellis (BC Liberal Party)...... Skeena Surrey-Guildford...... Routledge, Janet (BC NDP) ...... Burnaby North Surrey-Newton...... Hon. Harry Bains Routley, Doug (BC NDP)...... Nanaimo–North Cowichan Surrey-Panorama ...... Russell, Roly (BC NDP)...... Boundary-Similkameen Surrey South ...... Rustad, John (BC Liberal Party)...... Nechako Lakes Surrey-Whalley ...... Hon. Bruce Ralston, QC Sandhu, Harwinder (BC NDP) ...... Vernon-Monashee Surrey–White Rock ...... Sharma, Niki (BC NDP)...... Vancouver-Hastings Vancouver-Fairview...... Hon. George Heyman Shypitka, Tom (BC Liberal Party)...... Kootenay East Vancouver–False Creek...... Simons, Hon. Nicholas (BC NDP)...... Powell River–Sunshine Coast Vancouver-Fraserview...... Hon. George Chow Sims, Jinny (BC NDP) ...... Surrey-Panorama Vancouver-Hastings ...... Singh, Aman (BC NDP) ...... Richmond-Queensborough Vancouver-Kensington...... Singh, Rachna (BC NDP)...... Surrey–Green Timbers Vancouver-Kingsway...... Hon. Adrian Dix Starchuk, Mike (BC NDP) ...... Surrey-Cloverdale Vancouver-Langara...... Michael Lee Stewart, Ben (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kelowna West Vancouver–Mount Pleasant...... Hon. Melanie Mark Stone, Todd (BC Liberal Party) ...... Kamloops–South Tompson Vancouver–Point Grey ...... Hon. David Eby, QC Sturdy, Jordan (BC Liberal Party) ...... West Vancouver–Sea to Sky Vancouver-Quilchena...... , QC Tegart, Jackie (BC Liberal Party)...... Fraser-Nicola Vancouver–West End ...... Spencer Chandra Herbert Walker, Adam (BC NDP)...... Parksville-Qualicum Vernon-Monashee ...... Wat, Teresa (BC Liberal Party) ...... Richmond North Centre Victoria–Beacon Hill...... Whiteside, Hon. Jennifer (BC NDP) ...... New Westminster Victoria–Swan Lake...... Hon. Rob Fleming Wilkinson, Andrew, QC (BC Liberal Party)...... Vancouver-Quilchena West Vancouver–Capilano...... Yao, Henry (BC NDP) ...... Richmond South Centre West Vancouver–Sea to Sky......

Party Standings: BC NDP 57; BC Liberal Party 28; BC Green Party 2

CONTENTS

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Afernoon Sitting Page

Orders of the Day

Second Reading of Bills ...... 397 Bill 7 — Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 (continued) B. Stewart S. Chandra Herbert C. Oakes Hon. B. Ma L. Doerkson A. Mercier Hon. N. Cullen N. Sharma B. Banman R. Leonard E. Ross A. Olsen H. Yao A. Walker J. Rice B. D’Eith M. Dykeman M. Elmore K. Paddon Hon. D. Eby

397

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 about the property purchase tax? What about some relief in those areas, to help make it so that there’s an incentive Te House met at 1:33 p.m. to help bring on capacity in those communities? I really do think that if you look at some of the buildout in our trans- [Mr. Speaker in the chair.] portation networks — whether it’s SkyTrain, bridges, roads and things like the Kicking Horse, etc. — this type of infra- Orders of the Day structure that I am referring to is something that we’ve got to take a longer-term view to. Hon. M. Farnworth: I call continued second reading If you are reaching out into communities that are out debate, Bill 7. in the Fraser Valley, or even outlying of the central [1:35 p.m.] Okanagan, where I live, the reality is that that infrastruc- ture is something that the province needs to look at so that [R. Leonard in the chair.] it can address the capacity issues and help communities be able to address the high costs. In some cases, it’s com- Second Reading of Bills pletely unattainable. I do think that there needs to be more collaboration and collaborative links between local gov- BILL 7 — TENANCY STATUTES ernment and the province and regional districts in terms AMENDMENT ACT, 2021 of being able to bring this on. (continued) We also need to make certain that we have their OCPs plugged in so that there are regular updates. I think the B. Stewart: It’s a pleasure to be here again, being able once-every-ten-years updates are a thing of the past. I to speak about an important objective in terms of helping think, considering the pace that some communities are make British Columbia more afordable for people that are growing at, they really do need the ability to have those renting and some that would like to buy at some future OCPs in front of government, where there can be collabor- point. ation with the Ministry of Municipal Afairs and working I think one of the things that I just want to recap before towards a solution of building more capacity. We haven’t we go on to other speakers is…. I want to talk a little bit addressed that in this bill. about the issues that I think the government…. It’s talking I do understand that this particular bill is really there about renters and rules around protecting them in terms to bring more security for renters and landlords in terms of their landlord-tenant agreements and the RTB. of the things that have been identifed in the Rental Hous- I think, at the end of the day, there needs to be a case ing Task Force. I do think that there is certainly a case to made that the province has to invest in communities. be made that we’re trying to make certain that there are Some of that cost — I mentioned it earlier when I was talk- afordable rents. I know that there are some other con- ing about transportation links — is working around the tributing factors that have been brought in — the specu- agricultural land reserve so that services such as water or lation and vacancy tax. I know that that was cited yester- sewer can get to the right places. Frankly, if we continue day in remarks in the morning — that it’s doing its job. But to put that burden just onto local residents, either their frankly, if you look at the numbers, it’s far below the fore- taxes increase or they can’t do the projects. Tey can’t cre- cast of the Minister of Finance of the day in 2018 when she ate access to where more units of housing could be con- brought it in. Te reality is that it’s taxing a lot of stock that, structed. I think that that’s a bigger issue. frankly, isn’t creating more capacity. It’s not actually adding We see communities continuing to look at community to the capacity that we keep talking about. contribution agreements and DCCs. Frankly, there’s that [1:40 p.m.] side of it that is a burden, not only on the development We look at the foreign buyers tax. I know I had a situ- community. Tey frst have to pay for these beforehand, or ation in my riding where somebody got caught afer enter- at least have letters of credit in place before they can actu- ing in the contracts in 2017 but was unable to complete ally start to invest. Tey have to buy the land, get it through before the deadline. So I think that some of these things the process of getting it accepted by local government, and have to be looked at as to whether the rules are the right then they have these contribution agreements. By the time rules to incentivize the capacity, to get the rental stock that that goes on, if the period of time that it takes stretches out we need. so that it’s a couple of years or more, what we end up with Bill 7 is really about bringing some equity for renters in is added costs, which get built into the cost of the actual dealing with landlords and the RTB. It puts a lot of power projects. into the hands of the director of the RTB. I hope that there We also have the other things that we haven’t really are checks and balances in that as well. I look forward to talked about. We have this protection for renters against asking questions of the minister as to how those people are their landlords. Well, what about people that are trying going to be selected to be in that position of power and to develop and bring on rental accommodation? What 398 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 authority. What are the checks and balances to make cer- try and address that and fnd that balance here. I just really tain that they’re not abused? want to say thank you to those who have had the patience, Madame Speaker, I want to thank you. I look forward to who have had the will to push for change for so long. It continued debate on second reading and committee stage wouldn’t happen without tenants organizing. It wouldn’t on this bill in the near future. happen without good landlords trying to understand and hear that point of view and fnd ways that would work for S. Chandra Herbert: I want to thank, obviously, the them as well and serve as examples. minister for bringing this legislation forward. I want to Another piece of this legislation, which I think is thank the former minister, now Finance Minister, for her important, is the question of renovictions. What is a ren- work to bring this forward as well. Mostly, I want to thank oviction? It’s a term that was created in my community the renters and rental housing providers who gave the of the West End, a word that didn’t exist until then. I rental task force this advice, who urged us to take these guess because so many of them were going on, we had to kinds of steps to make housing more secure, to make it come up with a term for what was happening. Evictions more afordable, but to also fnd ways to make the system for renovations that are not substantial, renovations that more efcient, more accessible and also fairer. are a coat of paint, renovations that are some tile work, We know, and members will know, that I have been renovations that could go on with a person still living in working on these issues my whole political life, I guess, their home. and prior to that, as a community advocate, standing out- [1:45 p.m.] side of buildings, working with renters, trying to encour- A few companies decided, management companies and age the, at times, sometimes large corporate landlords to others, that they would target the longer-term tenants. do the right thing — not just focus on the proft that they Tat was ofen seniors — has been, sometimes, seniors can make out of the unit, but focus on it as a home, and who’ve been in a unit for a while. Tey were paying their that they do have obligations under the law. rent. Tey paid every yearly rent increase. Tey were more I’ve also worked with landlords and helped them work than covering the costs for the building. But maybe the through challenging situations with tenants. I understand building sold and the new owner wanted even more that it’s not all one side or the other, as it sometimes looks money because they paid too much for it when they in the media and as it sometimes looks in this House. I bought it, so they then hired a company to go and slap up think the speaker who spoke before me, the member for eviction notices on doors and try and force people out for Kelowna West, did join the Rental Housing Task Force renovations that didn’t require them to be out. when we came through Kelowna, and certainly, I believe Most landlords don’t do it, I’ve got to say. Tere are a at the time, supported the legislation that came out of that number that I’ve been speaking with recently, and they’ll process. I hope he will, with his colleagues, support the show me their buildings where they’ve renovated the legislation that’s before the House today. entire building, top to bottom, massive reno, and the It’s balanced legislation. I know there are some on one people never had to leave. Tey didn’t lose their homes. side who believe that there should be no rent controls at Tey didn’t lose their tenancies. Te landlord kept them in all. Raise rents as high as you can whenever you want. In place because he wanted good, dependable tenants. Tat’s fact, I think the former Housing critic, the former member created a community there. for Vancouver–False Creek, used to make that point. Tere Tat’s the kind of thing that I think we see, we know are those on the other side who think that rent should nev- happens, but we don’t hear about it in the press. Of course, er be allowed to increase and that we should just automat- when people are challenged, we want to hear it so we can ically somehow make it all free. Of course, that’s not where step up and help. So those are the stories that get reported. we’re at today. Tis is the kind of thing that should be happening all We are trying to fnd a way to keep people in their hous- the time, not just when a landlord is doing the right thing. ing secure, which is why we’re freezing rents through till We need the system in place to make sure that this is what the end of the year, as we promised. It’s why we’re keep- happens. Ontario does this, makes sure that eviction for ing rents to the cost of infation, rather than 2 percent renovation…. It has to be so substantial that there’s no way plus infation, which is what it used to be. I think the that you can live there in any safe way while it goes on. highest increase constituents faced under that formula was I think of some of the buildings that I’ve tried to help 4.3 percent. Tat was really hard, because wages haven’t across B.C. that were failing, buildings where maintenance been going up to keep pace with that kind of increase. It’s was allowed to completely go sideways. Tenants applied cumulative each year on top of each other, which can lead again and again to try and get some action for help. Te to really, really large increases compared to where people’s system wasn’t set up in such a way that real action ever wage levels are at. occurred. Te buildings would run down so far that the We’re trying to fnd that balance. I understand that the people would lose their homes. smaller landlords have raised issues and said: “Well, look We need to get in before that and support that kind at our costs.” I know that the minister is looking at ways to of proactive maintenance, in cooperation between land- Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 399 lords and tenants. I think this legislation will help us move Investing in the residential tenancy branch, as was done more in that direction, as opposed to the kind of fy-by- a couple of years ago — a couple, I think $4 million or $5 night situation of eviction or dilapidation that we some- million yearly increase in investment in the branch — has times have seen in the past. made an incredible diference. I hear from landlords across How do you do this and ensure it actually happens? B.C. I hear from renters across B.C. who call. Tey get the One of the things I’m proudest of is the compliance and help they need fast. Tey get the information they need enforcement unit. It’s something I called for, for years fast so that they can work something through. Most issues when I was in opposition, to say: “Listen, we have a law, the get solved through collaboration between the landlord and Residential Tenancy Act. Tat law needs to be enforced.” tenant. It can’t just be applied…. “Oh, look. Tat person broke the Te residential tenancy branch hearings are ofen that law,” and then the residential tenancy branch says: “Well last call. Tat’s why we also need to be taking action — jeez, you shouldn’t have done that. You should give back to make sure that that last call is as fair as it can be. the money that you took.” “Oh, okay. Well, I guess I won’t I’m encouraged that there are some more provisions for do that again.” administrative fairness, something that was lacking for Well, in too many cases what happened is either the too long. people were never caught or, if they were caught, they saw Under the law as it existed, it couldn’t be solved. Even if that the cost of doing business, a small refund to a tenant the director saw that something was unfair, the law didn’t or to the landlord, was outweighed. Tey got greater bene- let them step in to fx it unless one of the folks that had ft by breaking the rules. Obviously, that should never have been wronged tried to appeal the decision. It was on them been on. to try and fx what could have been a residential tenancy Te rules should always be the ones that we incentivize branch error. Maybe somebody was on a hearing. Tey people to follow. But in this case, because of the large were presenting their evidence, and they got bumped of amount of money you could make through phony renova- the call, and they could no longer present that evidence. tions, through bullying people, people continued to break Well, the hearing might be decided in favour of the person the rules — in some cases, tenants as well, learning that who didn’t get bumped of the call. Well, that’s not fair, they could game the system in such a way to get away because the person who was bumped of the call…. It without paying rent. wasn’t their fault that they got bumped of the call or that We’ve brought in changes through the compliance and the evidence that they presented got lost somewhere in the enforcement unit so that people who break those rules do residential tenancy branch system or that the evidence that get repercussions, so that there is actual penalty and there’s was attached for one case got switched with the evidence actually some teeth in the law. It should have been that way for another case or something like that. Now, that should a long time ago. I’m glad it’s there now. Te changes in this have been solved a long time ago. It is being solved today. legislation to increase the ability for the compliance and From big, from small — these are good changes. As enforcement unit to do its job, to do the investigations, to always, I’m keen to hear from renters, from landlords, levy penalties are well needed. from rental housing providers on other ways that we can If you’re going to make up something, if you’re going to improve the situation. Tis doesn’t solve everything, and lie and create a fraudulent claim about what you may or I think there’s a tendency sometimes to want one piece of may not have done as a renter or as a tenant, there’ve got legislation to solve all the problems in the world, but it to be penalties for that. You can’t get away with pretending never happens, because you’ve got to actually put in the and lying and creating division and creating false circum- work and put in the time to make sure you fnd the right stances. You should never have been allowed to get away balance and that the law will work. with that. Yet you could. I think there was a discussion earlier around the supply Tis legislation will stop that. Sometimes you hear these of rental housing. Maybe it’s because of the West End, things and you go: “Wait. How could that ever have been where I am. In my community, I see rental housing pro- so?” But it was, and I thank the minister for catching that jects going up all around me all the time. People complain and the compliance and enforcement team for creating to us about too much construction. “Can you slow it that whole structure so that we can actually get repercus- down? Tere’s too much building and too much going sions when people break rules — and to change the cul- on.” Some higher-end condos that were commissioned a ture. Frankly, too many people on too many sides for too couple of years ago, many of them rental housing and long thought they could get away with bending the rules of some of them middle- to lower-income afordable housing the residential tenancy branch. are being built under the government’s afordable housing I think there are some changes in here, as well, to speed strategy. It’s happening all across B.C. up the process for landlords, speed up the process for ten- I looked at the latest statistics, and I know statistics ants so that legitimate hearings, legitimate issues can actu- are dangerous, because you move the year by one, by ally get the time they deserve. two, by three years. You average one, and you average [1:50 p.m.] another. People can make statistics look like they want to 400 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 make a case. Because one month happened to be down, I just think of the people. One of the people that thus that must be a catastrophe, when, overall, the trend impacted me most was a woman who passed away earlier has been up. I think there are still more afordable hous- this year. Her name was Anne Gregory. She was an immig- ing starts that are rental building starts until this year, rant from Austria. No, she was an immigrant from Poland. in 2021, than over the last ten-year average. Tat’s good. She just loved Austria. Is it as good as it could be? Obviously, COVID has had Anyways, long story short, she grew up during the a big impact. People are holding on to their money a Second World War. She remembers seeing Hitler prom- bit more. Tey’re not investing in the same way that ising everybody a car in their driveway, and she would they were, but also, construction has been hampered and remember and tell me stories about how important aford- things have slowed down. able housing was for her, postwar, about how rental hous- Municipalities being able to approve projects and get ing needed to be there so that she and other immigrants them going has been slowed down. Te public participa- who came to Canada had that safe place to call home, so tion process — and onwards. Tere defnitely is work to that they could set down roots and join a community. be done on that side. Te supply of housing, no question, She was always there pushing me, pushing, pushing. is vitally important. I’m encouraged that we have more “Don’t just listen to the speculators,” she would say. I under construction and going now than the previous 16 can hear her voice now and the accent coming through years, on average, and that’s with the rental changes that strongly, loud and clear. “Tink of the people. Tink of we’ve made. the people that built this province. Tink of the seni- Is there more to do? No question. I’ll keep pushing, ors,” she would say. “Tink of those that should be heard and I know many others will. I’m glad that the member and are too ofen ignored. Tink of those who have more for Kelowna West, the Housing critic of the opposition, is than paid of the unit that they’ve rented in, because making that a focus as well. I think the focus of helping they’ve lived there so long and they’ve paid so much rent people is where we all need to be, and I think we all need over the life of that building, and think of how you can to, again, be looking at renters and the rental housing pro- help them,” she would say. viders to make sure that those homes are there for people, She was an incredible woman who did incredible things. that people are secure in their homes, can aford their She helped create pocket parks west of Denman for people homes, and that those who are providing those homes get to enjoy. When we’re all tightly packed into rental apart- the support they need, too, to make sure that those homes ments, you need some outdoor space. She helped create are top quality and that they are doing their jobs to provide that pocket park space in our community, as a renter, as a that housing. lifelong renter. In Canada we talk about housing as a human right, and I know there is sometimes a tendency for some to that’s something that we should remember. One of the think of renting as just a way station on your way challenges we’ve got around homelessness has been…. I’ve between leaving your parents’ home and moving of into seen it in my own community. I think of 2009, going into your new house that you bought, or new condo, I guess, Stanley Park and meeting a woman in a tent with her big as it has become more and more these days. But for dog. She’d moved in there, she said, one day before we many people renting is what they will do for their entire found her out in the bush. lives. Te wages that they get aren’t enough. Tey’re not [1:55 p.m.] able to save enough. She’d been happily housed in a rental apartment on Of course, the powers of capital have created so much Robson Street. I think it’s called the Kenilworth. Anyways, demand, and we live in such a beautiful place, that the cost that building had been mass evicted. She didn’t know her of housing has gone up so much. So for some, in order rights. She didn’t have the ability to stand up for herself, to keep their home and keep their community, renting is and she hadn’t connected to anybody. Te building largely the only option. We need to value that and accept that and just lef, moved out, because they didn’t know what to do. honour what they are doing as equal citizens. She was homeless because of losing that apartment. Tere Folks might not know, but of course, when we started are real circumstances when we look the other way or this colony, when this province of B.C. came into being, when the law is not there to support people. if you were a renter, you weren’t allowed to vote. Only I’m happy that these changes are coming in. I’ll continue property owners — male, with a certain amount of money, to push for change, each and every day, as I always have, white — were allowed to vote. So class was part of this and keen to learn, as always. Learning from renters and as well. Renters were ofen not seen or not heard, because learning from those who rent out their buildings and their they were seen as temporary. homes has been one of the true privileges of being able to Well, renters are here to stay. Tey have a loud voice, be the chair of the Rental Housing Task Force, but also just a strong voice and are very, very much integrated in our being an MLA, long before I was asked by the Premier to communities. We need to include that point of view more take on that role, long before the Housing Minister asked ofen when we’re thinking about housing and how we’re me to take on that role. working. Te voice of the homeowner, the voice of that Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 401 concern, is heard very loudly. Te voice of the renter, not Let us instead fx the bill to refect what we’ve heard so much. from post-secondary students. It will be a great disap- I want to thank the Minister of Housing for hearing the pointment, in fact, a grave lack of government sincerity…. voice of renters. I want to thank the minister for hearing If, in fact, it becomes apparent through this debate of the the voice of rental housing providers and trying to fnd bill that the very real challenges that the post-secondary that way to balance it so we can make sure that there’s students living in student housing are doing their best to enough investment in the housing to keep it whole, to keep identify to government, and how they are going to fnan- it good, to keep it a great place to live, to build more hous- cially manage continuing on their post-secondary educa- ing so there are more places for people who want to join tion journey, becomes addressed through this process…. us but also to make sure it’s fair, so that those who live in At the start of this pandemic last May, we heard that those homes can live there in security, can live there with over 76 percent of students cited some type of fnancial peace, can become great neighbours, can become fully concern, and approximately 50 percent of students cited invested in their community without always fearing that a fnancial hardships in regards to accommodation. Housing knock will come on the door or an eviction notice might expenses serve as one of the largest expenses for students, be posted there. and they continue to take a large portion of savings, stu- [2:00 p.m.] dent loan payments, part-time employment income and, Tank you to the minister, thank you to everybody for in many cases, grocery allowances. working to bring this legislation forward. I look forward At UBC, over 65 percent of graduate students and 47 to hearing further discussion and further work to improve percent of undergraduate students experience severe fn- housing for all British Columbians. ancial hardship due to the cost of housing. Taking into Tank you so much, hon. Speaker, for the opportunity. account that this data was collected prior to the COV- ID-19 pandemic, this data will be amplifed even more due C. Oakes: It is truly my honour to be able to speak today to the impending economic impacts of the continued pan- to the Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act. I wanted to bring demic. forward a voice that I feel has been lost in this debate We review statistics one year later, and we fnd that today. Tat is the voices of students across this province. young adults have been one of the most deeply impacted I rise in the House today to respond to Bill 7, the Ten- demographics by the pandemic. Youths aged 15 to 24 are ancy Statutes Amendment Act, as it is my hope that, as we down 23,000 jobs relative to February 2020. Youth unem- review and debate the legislation before this House, mean- ployment is 16.8 percent compared to 9.4 percent prior to ingful policy changes that have been requested by post- the pandemic. secondary students have been included. It is my hope that [2:05 p.m.] this bill is more than just political rhetoric and that it has Tis does not include the signifcant impacts on the loss listened to the real concerns that students and advocate of co-op programs and other programs that indeed sup- groups have brought forward to this government around port our post-secondary students. the afordability challenge that students are living with. Right now post-secondary students are making the Tis venture of creating a world-class higher education decision of what they will do in the fall. For many, due system requires the provincial government to adapt to the to the uncertainty of the pandemic, loss of a job, they’ve fnancial needs of students and their families. In the taken a year of their studies. For others, they’ve sur- months that the government has had to develop this legis- vived the year on loans and credit, and while they were lation — and comments made of comprehensive consulta- hopeful to see the return of programs and summer job tion — what I hope becomes evident in the debate before opportunities, it continues to be uncertain, unclear and the House is that post-secondary students’ voices have very concerning. been heard and will, in fact, be refected in this legislation. Our young people are our future. Our social and eco- And if it has not been so, it is my hope that the government nomic vibrancies following the pandemic will require that will introduce the necessary amendments to address the we have done everything that we possibly can to be sup- policy changes that the tenancy act brings to student hous- porting all of our citizens. Up to now, there has not been ing. equitable support for our young people, post-secondary Te pandemic has certainly given us insight into the students, who’ve been deeply impacted. Teir voices that many faws in our higher education system. As this legis- they have been raising — I know that they have met with lative session proceeds, we, as legislators in the govern- government, and I know that they’ve shared their concerns ment, should be addressing supports to students and their — need to be listened to by this government. families for generations to come. I recognize the defens- During our post-secondary advocacy days in this Legis- iveness governments may feel when faws are identifed. In lature, and for all members of this House, it provided an our partisan posturing, ofen solutions are overlooked in opportunity to review the challenges that students are an attempt to be right. It is my hope that the government facing, but also they identifed solutions. I wish to bring resists this approach. forward some of the comments and solutions brought for- 402 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 ward, for example, by the Alma Mater Society and the ondary students require our support. Let us get this piece Graduate Student Society of the University of British Col- of legislation right. umbia, which represents over 58,000 undergraduate and Let us include the voices of our post-secondary students graduate students. and our future generations. Let us ensure that this bill I can also say, from having the opportunity to have provides that students living in student housing are in fact listened to and engaged with other student organizations, eligible for all programs that the province puts forward such as the Alliance of B.C. Students and the B.C. Federa- and, in particular, as we discuss this piece of legislation, tion of Students, that the concerns around afordability as the rent freeze. Let us not leave our students out in the it relates to this piece of legislation being debated before cold. Let us make sure their voices are included in the the House and the concerns on policies around student legislation that we put forward in this House, and let us housing — and the clear solution — are something that make sure that there are changes made so that students’ government can and should address in this bill. If it re- concerns are addressed. quires the government to make a necessary amendment to the bill, now is the time to do such. Hon. B. Ma: It is my honour and my privilege to rise I would like to make some of the comments that I’ve today — or rather, I guess, join virtually today — to speak heard from organizations, and this comes from one of the in favour of Bill 7, the Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act. organizations that we talked to. Troughout the 2020 pro- I come to you as both, of course, the Minister of State for vincial election, a large part of the NDP platform was ded- Infrastructure but also the member representing the com- icated to making housing more afordable and available. munity of North Vancouver–Lonsdale. Te important points discussed in this section of the plat- I know that in my community, nearly half of the people form allow students and their families to retain their hope who live in the area that I represent are renters. Life has for an afordable and equitable future when it came to the been difcult for many of them. I remember meeting with costs associated with housing and tenancy rights altogeth- many constituents early on in my time as an MLA and er. A key point in this section of the platform was the hearing about their struggles. Having been a renter for establishment of a rent freeze to the end of 2021, along most of my adult life myself, it certainly brought back a lot with capping rent increase to only infation, as opposed of memories. to the previous formula. On November 9, the provincial I remember needing to struggle and worry about being government established the rent freeze, and of course this able to pay rent on time. I remember the feeling of instabil- is part of the legislation that we are reviewing today to ity that comes with being a renter, never knowing how extend it to the end of the year. long you have to live in a place — whether or not the Tese commitments, while supportive of the general landlord is going to want to sell the unit or renovate it or B.C. population, forgot that student housing once again. whether the landlord has diferent ideas about what kinds All provincial housing support programs, such as the ten- of tenants that they want in the future. It’s feeling like you ancy rental support program since the beginning of the have a lack of power over your own life situation. Tis is pandemic, lef out student housing. Tis bill, this policy, something that thousands — tens of thousands, hundreds this rent freeze, continues to leave out student housing, a of thousands — of people in British Columbia continue to key choice of residence for many students due to the close struggle with. proximity to campus. Certainly, I need to acknowledge the incredible work of Tis exclusion, as recognized by the provincial govern- the member for Vancouver–West End, who also repres- ment since the rent with rights campaign in 2015, results ents Coal Harbour — which I’ve learned recently to also in student housing providers being able to work outside mention, given that West End doesn’t always describe the the legal framework of the Residential Tenancy Act. While full scope of the area that he represents. I remember when the act is responsible for establishing the rights and I was starting out as an MLA how many renters would responsibilities of tenants and landlords, the statute is also come into my ofce with concerns about their living situ- used as the eligibility criteria item for support programs ation and how ofen I would turn to the member for Van- like TRS. Efectively, this eligibility item leaves students couver–West End to get advice from him, because I knew out of programs and policies, such as the 2020 rent freeze about his advocacy over many years. I am so, so grate- and now the extension of the rent freeze which this legis- ful for the advice that he was able to provide me, which lation brings forward. Another important platform point then allowed me, in turn, to provide it to constituents, and that was due to the unafordable nature of housing in Brit- for the work that he has done over the last 3½ years to ish Columbia and the establishment of a renter’s rebate improve the situation for renters. program…. When I was frst elected, I remember that the frequency [2:10 p.m.] and volume of rent-related casework that would come While I recognize that this is outside the purview of this through my doors was enormous. Requests for help from discussion today, it’s important to note that our post-sec- renters dominated the work that we did on a day-to-day basis. Tere were renters whose landlords were using a Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 403 loophole at the time, known as the fxed-term-lease loop- to infation and then what it is today during this state of hole, to force renters who had already lived in a unit for a emergency, which is zero percent. year or more to sign new agreements, with rent increases Now, these changes have brought increased stability for that were far above and beyond the legal maximum, by renters throughout the province. Certainly, in my ofce, using the argument that they could otherwise be evicted. what we noticed is that afer these changes were brought [2:15 p.m.] in, the number of constituents we heard from who needed Tey would say: “Here is a lease for one year. At the end help with a serious rental-related issue has substantially of this lease, you have to sign a new lease, or else we’ll fnd dropped of, partly because these changes that help in- another tenant.” What they would ofer was that the new crease stability for renters were working but also because lease wasn’t tied to the old lease at all. Terefore, the rent the residential tenancy branch now has the resources to increases that they were allowed to put into the new lease be able to handle the volume of inquiries that they were were not subject to the legal rent increase maximums that receiving from people, and people — renters and landlords were set by government. Tat was known as the fxed-lease alike — are now able to get help through the system as they loophole. should be able to. Tere were also renters who struggled to fgure out how Part of the capacity investments enabled the creation of to get basic services out of their landlords, like mainten- the compliance and enforcement unit, which I was able to ance and repairs that should have been happening as a work with in 2019 to strongly encourage a building prop- matter of course, only to be ignored or handled very dis- erty manager with multiple buildings from using clauses missively. Tere were also landlords who came to my ofce in their own lease agreements that were designed specifc- because they wanted to do the right thing, but they ally to try to get around the legal rent increase limita- couldn’t get advice or direction from the residential ten- tions. Tis was something that we were able to do with the ancy branch in a reasonable amount of time because the compliance and enforcement unit without requiring that wait times on the phone and for arbitration were just unac- renters put themselves into a situation to take the landlord ceptably long. to the residential tenancy branch and take them through I remember, in particular, two renters named Emily and an arbitration process one at a time. Jolee, two women who bravely stood up for their rights as I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the work that renters against a landlord who was threatening to increase we’ve been able to do for renters already, but we also know their rent by 43.7 percent through the use of what was very clearly that our work is not done yet, and that’s why known at the time as the geographic rent increase clause. It I’m very pleased to be able to support the bill before us, Bill was introduced by the former B.C. Liberal government in 7. Tis is a bill that will confrm the rent freeze through to 2012. I believe that it was likely introduced in good faith, the end of 2021 and provide further protection for renters but sadly, there were many landlords that used the geo- against renovictions by requiring landlords to apply for the graphic rent increase clause in the Residential Tenancy Act ability to evict a renter for renovations. in order to bully or pressure renters into willingly accept- [2:20 p.m.] ing higher-than-legal rent increases. Tis builds on protections that we’ve already added with Tis was a really stressful time for Emily and Jolee, but respect to rent and evictions that require things like with a lot of work, some stress, for sure — a lot of stress — increased notice for an eviction due to renovations and and the help from me and my staf, we were able to support changes that added penalties of up to 12 months’ rent pay- them in taking their case to the residential tenancy branch, able to the wronged tenant if it is discovered that the land- and an arbitrator of the residential tenancy branch ruled in lord lied or was otherwise dishonest about the reason for their favour. evicting that tenant. Shortly afer that fght was won, our NDP government Tese changes now…. What it adds to all of that work announced that the entire clause that put them through that we’ve already done is it takes the onus of of a tenant to this battle in the frst place would be eliminated from the be an expert in construction and renovations. Right now Residential Tenancy Act. Tis meant that no other renters the way that renovictions happen, or the way that a ten- would have to go through what Emily and Jolee did. ant is able to challenge a renoviction, is that they need to In fact, our government made a lot of changes to the establish that a renovation isn’t signifcant enough to war- Residential Tenancy Act that removed clauses that were rant an eviction, that it’s a renovation that could be done used by some landlords as either loopholes or ways to with them still living there, and then they need to take intimidate tenants into agreeing to rent increases that they that eviction notice and challenge it through the residen- didn’t need to agree to. Tere were changes that closed tial tenancy branch. the fxed-term lease loophole that I mentioned. Tere were Tis is, I think, something that usually causes — or changes that removed the threat of an enormous rent rather, this barrier to being able to…. How do I say this? increase based on the geographic rent increase clause that I A renter isn’t necessarily going to be in the best position to mentioned. Tere were changes that reduced the allowable understand the details or complexities of a piece of renov- rent increases from as high as 4 to 5 percent per year down 404 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 ation. Putting the onus on the renter to prove that an evic- negative efect on the number of rental units we actually tion is not necessary I think is a bit backwards. have in this province. What this change does, what we’re introducing through Te bill itself will continue a freeze on rent increases Bill 7, is that, instead, it will be up to the landlord to prove through 2021. It creates more paperwork and red tape to the residential tenancy branch that the eviction is neces- around renovations and repairs for thousands of landlords sary for the work that they’re doing to be completed; or, that are truly trying to do the right thing. Tey, I might they will otherwise be able to receive advice about how to add, are dealing with their own issues with respect to work with their tenant to enable the renovations without COVID, as we all are. an eviction. I appreciate what Bill 7 will try to accomplish. How- I mean, let’s be clear. Renovations are very important ever, for those people that operate these rentals, and for work. It is, to an extent, an obligation of a good landlord to those people who are using these rentals for a source be able to keep up the quality of the unit that they are rent- of retirement income, these groups of people are ulti- ing out. Renovations are really important. We don’t want mately going to pay the price for this bill. Of course, to prevent renovations from happening. However, we do most people in those groups are unable to qualify for any want to prevent minor renovations from being used as an of the hundreds of millions of dollars available through excuse to evict a tenant. the business recovery benefts. I believe that the vast majority of landlords want to do I would note that the cost for most of these existing the right thing. Tey want to do the right thing by their rentals has not stayed stagnant. Rather, their cost is going property. Tey want to do the right thing by their ten- up year over year. Of course, some of these individuals ants. Tey want to be good landlords. Sadly, there are some have a mix of residential and commercial rentals, which landlords who have stretched the rules to raise rents, to creates another level of complexity and also creates a evict tenants or to otherwise neglect their obligations as double hit, if you will, for those landlords that have both landlords. types of tenants. Te commercial side of this business is I believe that these changes that we’re bringing on today, experiencing some very tough challenges with the impact and the changes that we’ve been bringing on over the past that the pandemic is having on retail business, of course, many years, provide renters with more protections. Tey in our province. also level the playing feld for the many, many good land- We really must stop, rethink this bill and — at least if lords out there, who would no longer have to watch as the bill is to go forward — perhaps consider some poten- some landlords make bank from bending the rules or act- tial support for landlords that are struggling through this ing in dishonest ways. extremely tough economic time. I can understand why I’m very supportive of Bill 7. I’ve very grateful that it’s we have done this for a period, and I understand that we been brought forward to us today. I’m grateful for the work really must take a look and pause for a moment to reassess of the Minister of Housing; the Minister of Finance, who whether it is accomplishing what the government actually previously served as the Minister Responsible for Hous- hopes it to do. ing; and, of course, my colleague the member for Vancou- What is the motivation for this bill? Is it to create more ver–West End. capacity for the rental market? If so, as I said before, I don’t think it will. Again, I want to point out that I thought we L. Doerkson: Today I rise and represent the people of have done, in the past, a temporary pause to understand the Cariboo-Chilcotin. I’m proud to be here representing what is happening in our rental market because of COV- those hard-working folks. ID. I don’t believe it has created more capacity. I believe I have a great many concerns about the outcome of what it’s quite the opposite. I believe it has taken small operators this bill will be, moving forward. For certain, I’m confused out of the market and is slowly driving up the cost of rent about what its intention actually is. If it is to lower the cost for very many of us. of rent or to create capacity for thousands of people, I don’t Tis is a complex decision. It requires extra thought, believe this bill will accomplish that. and again, we must be clear on what the motive is for the I want to thank the member for Cariboo North for bill. If it is to create capacity, then we really must create an advocating on behalf of students. Tey have of course been opportunity for our residents to show an interest in this caught on this issue. Tey have been forgotten with this type of business that will create capacity by way of creating bill, and I would echo her comments with respect to more investment and more interest in that rental business. including them, going forward, if the bill is to pass today. Again, I must question what the motive is. We’re seeing [2:25 p.m.] increased costs in our small communities. Tis is, in large A member speaking earlier had referred to larger part, due to lack of capacity. Deferrals of increases, like companies that are being afected by this. I’m sure that this, are a deterrent to the small investors. It is these the legislation is having an efect on those companies, investors that are losing interest in this investment oppor- but it’s the small entrepreneur that we’re really deterring tunity, and ultimately, it is the renters and tenants of this from this business. Tat, I believe, is having a massive province that will pay a high price. Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 405

In the end, if this bill and rent freezes were working — is being rented out as a consequence of that tax. I know or did work over the last year — we would not see an aver- that because I’ve talked to the property manager about it. age rental increase of $2,500 per year in Metro Vancou- So these policies are really working in a real way, and Bill 7 ver. Tis has not created, over the past year, more hous- is going to add so much relief. ing starts. In fact, we’ve seen a reduction, by 18.3 percent, I just want to take a moment to thank the member for in this category as well. It seems to me that this bill, and Vancouver–West End, because I know how tirelessly he the rental increase deferrals, are hurting the renters of this has worked throughout this process and how tirelessly he province far more than it is helping them. has worked in his entire civic and political life to advoc- ate the rights of renters. It’s paid of, and it’s made huge, [N. Letnick in the chair.] demonstrable diferences for people’s lives and for the lives of families, at the end of the day. What is most interesting about the bill, and the continu- Tis is a good bill. Tis is a good bill that is going to help ing deferral of rent increases, is that we know that it hasn’t a whole ton of people. In my community, in Langley, 38 worked over the last year. It has created capacity issues and percent of folks that live in the city of Langley are renters. less building starts. I sincerely hope that we are not stand- Now there are new rentals because of city council. Tere ing here in this place a year from now, trying to explain to are new rentals being added every day. We just tore down the residents of Metro Vancouver how a bill like this has, the West Country Hotel. Tere’s going to be a whole slough over the past two years, increased the rent by more than of new rentals that go up in place of that, right in the city $400 per month. of Langley. [2:30 p.m.] Right now the city’s actually going over their new ofcial Finally, I believe this bill will not only hurt the people it community plan, specifcally to help set the planning for serves to help but also all of those people that have risked SkyTrain so that we can live in a community that people so much to get into this business. I’m also very concerned can aford to live in and so that we manage the supply of for the individuals who rely on this rent as a source of rentals. Tere’s a lot of good work going on here. income. Not only is that income not going up, but because Tis bill has broad support. LandlordBC has expressed of their own rising costs, it’s actually going down. support for these changes. Tere is no added cost or added Bill 7, to me, shows no positive signs at all, only negat- bureaucracy that’s built out as a consequence of this bill. I ive, and I believe it will be a lose-lose situation for the res- really think we just need to look at the changes and look idents of this province. at their operation and how they’re going to be operational- ized to really understand that. A. Mercier: I’d just like to make a few comments, before You hear a lot from the opposition about needing to speaking to Bill 7, about what we’ve heard so far in this provide market certainty. Tat’s what this does. Tis debate. I’ll go back to a comment by the member for Cari- provides certainty for all the players in the market. It’s boo North who said that up until now there has not been very balanced. But we need to remember that tenants are equitable support for our young people from the govern- important stakeholders when it comes to this, as well, and ment. I’d agree with that comment in part, which is that landlords evidently are. But the bill is balanced, and it up until the NDP were elected in 2017, that defnitely was addresses that. the case. I mean, the opposition has talked a lot in this So what does this do? Well, this extends the rent freeze debate about the harm being done or the harm they per- to the end of 2021, and it caps it at infation. ceive being done. Crying that Rome is burning would be [2:35 p.m.] more credible if you weren’t carrying matches and holding We’re not saying that the rent freeze is extended in per- a cannister of gas. petuity. We’re saying that it’s capped at infation. Most folks Te fact is that the issues in residential student housing don’t get a wage increase that is equal to infation at the come from the fact that, under the B.C. Liberals for 16 end of the day. Tere’s not an upward infationary pressure years, only 130 beds were added in student housing — 130 on wages for most folks who are renting right now. So what in 16 years. We’ve built or are in the process of building, this does is this helps preserve the household budget so since 2018, 5,106 new beds for student housing. It’s the that you’re not living hand to mouth. biggest increase in student housing in B.C. history. So I Te reality of it is that most young families…. I’m a think we need to have a bit of a sense of perspective when renter in a three-bedroom townhouse. For most young we speak about this stuf. families, purchasing is a long way of. It’s not the fault of We heard the member for Kelowna West call this win- the Residential Tenancy Act or changes to the Residential dow dressing, saying a rent freeze is window dressing. It’s Tenancy Act that that’s the case. Tere are broader prob- not if you rent. If you rent, it goes to the core of your lems that have largely been created by 16 years of complete household expenses, and I know that because I’m a renter. mismanagement of the housing fle. I’m a renter that’s benefted as well from the vacancy tax, Tis goes back to the great work that the member for because the unit that I’m renting currently for my family Vancouver–West End has done on renovictions. Te chan- 406 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 ges to renovictions here are process changes that are going ister to engage in a full consultation with park owners and to stop real harm. Renoviction is about exploiting a loop- homeowner stakeholder groups to try to fnd that balance hole. It’s about throwing up a coat of paint and throwing within there to make sure that the regulations are craf- people out of their homes. ted appropriately. Tis is so necessary for anyone who has We have heard the member for Cariboo-Chilcotin talk dealt with manufactured home parks. about all the red tape and all the bureaucracy this will add. [2:40 p.m.] Well, you know what? If you’re about to kick someone out Te result of a change in park rules can be the contract- of their home to do necessary or substantial renovations, ing out of a tenancy agreement. To the extent that that may there ought to be a process to make that determination. It or may not be allowed, it defnitely needs to be controlled ought not to be decided on a whim. What this bill does and have a fair degree of certainty brought to it. is locate the determination of that process with a neutral I think this is just great for all renters and, frankly, mar- arbitrator that sits through residential tenancy disputes as ket participants. It’s very hard to argue against this bill. I a matter of their profession so they can assess credibility. think the only way to do that is to engage in kind of straw- Tey can assess it on a case-by-case basis, which is really man arguments. what we want. Tis is about process. Listening to the member for Tere are some renovations that are necessary. We want North Vancouver–Lonsdale describe the bill, the idea that to be able to make that determination, and the most bal- you could give false or misleading information, just anced way to do that is the approach that we’ve taken. blatantly false information, during an investigation or a Hey, guess what. Tis is very similar to the approach in dispute resolution proceeding with the residential tenancy Ontario, and it hasn’t stopped anyone from doing business branch and there’s no penalty for that, no disincentive for in Ontario. To say that this creates red tape and that it’s that, is absolutely wild. So this will fx that problem as going to prevent people from renting out units is just not a well, by ensuring that administrative penalties against per- credible statement. It’s not a credible statement at all. sons giving false or misleading information during a dis- Coming from Langley…. In my previous life as a law- pute resolution process or investigation can be brought yer, a member of the bar, I did some pro bono work for forward. Likewise with folks that refuse to comply with the Lower Mainland Manufactured Home Owners Asso- demands for records issued by the RTB, either by a tenant ciation, dealing with evictions and the tenancy board. or by a landlord. Ofen, in terms of discussion, the manufactured home Tis is about a clear, good, expeditious and balanced owners are completely lef out. Tey’re an aferthought, process. To suggest otherwise is just simply incorrect, and and they shouldn’t be. You’re not a second-class citizen it’s not credible. if you live in a manufactured home. It is a great form of We’ve heard many members make statements today that independent living that is reasonable and allows people this doesn’t fx the general issue of housing supply. Well, to preserve their independence well into retirement. It’s look. Te fact of the matter is that fxing the tenancy act good to see some things that maybe have been smaller fxes tenancy issues. Right now, separate from this, we’re kinds of process issues get cleaned up there in terms of making the biggest investment in housing supply in the manufactured home parks. history of British Columbia. It wasn’t just student housing One that’s great is the rent freeze applying to manufac- that the last government neglected. We’re investing $7 bil- tured home parks. Like most of the rentals in Langley, in lion over ten years to build housing, and we’re making the city of Langley…. Te home parks tend to be in the good progress on new construction. Tat’s going to create township, which is also in my riding. In the city of Lang- a whole slew of good-paying jobs for tradespeople. ley, the people renting tend to be either young families or I support this act. I think this is a good act. Tis is good senior citizens on fxed incomes, people that are hurting. for my constituents, and this is good for the people of Brit- Likewise, in manufactured home parks, you tend to get a ish Columbia. I frankly don’t understand the opposition to lot of folks who are seniors who have moved in there. Tey it, and I hope that the members opposite, once they read sold their homes and moved in there to preserve their the act and once they speak to their constituents, speak to independence and continue living in a community. Mak- renters in their ridings, will see the light and vote for it. ing sure that the rent freeze applies to that, that it applies to the proportional amount covering utilities and taxes, is Hon. N. Cullen: As I rise for my frst speech in this so important. Legislature, I wish to acknowledge a number of things. It goes to another issue that fies under the radar. It clari- One, of course, being that representing the incredible fes and addresses confict between park rules and tenancy and beautiful constituency of Stikine is an immense agreements. Currently, new park rules can be added with honour for me. no limit and can override tenancy agreements. What this I am speaking to you today not from the Legislature but act will do, what Bill 7 will do, is create regulatory author- from my home in Smithers, in Wet’suwet’en territory and ity so that future changes can be limited by frequency. It Gitdumden territory specifcally. I am honoured by those can change the rules around that. Tis will allow the min- friends and those friendships that I have built over many Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 407 years with the Wet’suwet’en, that they allow me to raise my this pandemic has also brought forward some of the very family here and conduct my business as the representative best of who we are. for Stikine. Mr. Speaker, I can’t see you, but I’m going to assume that I wonder if this is true for other members of the the same Speaker is there as when I started. I myself grew assembly and other legislatures around the province and up in rental homes, ofen, as the son of a single mom, a around the country. I feel a bit like Matt Damon in Te working mom, going from rent to rent, wondering how we Martian, talking into a screen day afer day. On occasions were going to pay the phone bill and the electricity and the like this, talking about renters and renters’ rights, we want heat and the rent at the same time. to connect with people, want to be able to demonstrate for I can remember the fundamental power imbalance that working people in this province that the government is on existed between my mom and whoever owned the apart- their side, that we understand the realities of life today, as ment that we lived in at the time. In those days, with a strange as it is, and are doing something about all of those whim, we could be evicted for the smallest and slimmest many challenges that we face. of pretenses. We didn’t even have the term “renoviction.” It feels like today is appreciation day for the member Tey just evicted for whatever reasons. for Vancouver–West End, and that is long overdue and Tat sense of lack of security, basic security of where well deserved. Our colleague from Vancouver was obvi- your home is going to be, was certainly felt by my mom ously instrumental in making this legislation happen, in and, I think, was also felt by me. So when I saw this piece listening to renters and property owners from around Brit- of legislation being proposed by the minister — the Attor- ish Columbia, both in the city and the rural environment ney General, the Housing Minister and the Finance Min- where I live, and not just listening but coming up with ister all deserve a ton of credit for this — it really spoke solutions. to me about some fundamental values of our government. [2:45 p.m.] Who is it that we’re fghting for? Who is it that we’re con- Now, this pandemic — maybe we are, hopefully, begin- cerned with, and what kind of world is it that we’re trying ning to see the end of the race — has exposed much in to create? our world, in our province, in our country and certainly I watched the previous government pretend, I think, to in our communities. It has exposed the vulnerabilities that care about renters and what was happening with rental we have. It has made some things that were terrible much prices across the province as another housing boom was worse, like the opioid crisis and the many hundreds and sweeping through the Lower Mainland, which of course is hundreds of British Columbians that we’ve lost to that like dropping a huge rock in the pond. Te ripple efects tragedy. out to…. Communities further up the Lower Mainland, all It has exposed the vulnerability of many British Col- the way out to places where I live, were afected by this, umbians who live from paycheque to paycheque, live with prices generally escalating. precarious work, live and work in such a way that, through If you want to watch what the sources of some of those no fault of their own, they have a great deal of insecurity escalating prices were, tune in to the Cullen inquiry — and uncertainty in their lives. Tis pandemic has made nothing to do with me. It’s a very good and devastating that much worse. inquiry into what government negligence really looks like It has also exposed that there are great divides within and how it impacts real people. our communities still, between the haves and the have- Now, if I look around the northwest, where I represent nots. We’ve seen certain members of what they have self- here in Stikine, and I start to think of the profle of who it described as the elite who feel like renting a private jet and is that is renting, who it is that we’re talking about, I think fying up to the Yukon to get vaccines from First Nations of young families, young people getting into rental units. communities means that diferent rules apply for diferent I think of seniors on fxed income. I think of some mar- people. We as a government think that’s wrong. ginalized people and people who are just struggling, some- When it comes to the issue of security of home, of place, times referred to as the working poor, who are just trying there’s a fundamental and cultural belief that we have as a to get by. government that a home, whether owned or rented, is not [2:50 p.m.] just an investment decision. It is not just an opportunity Tose are the people that we’re talking about today. for someone to make more and more money. It is also a Tose are the people that we’re talking about protecting home, and it should be underlined as such. today with the measures under this bill, under Bill 7, that Now, we have also seen an enormous amount of resi- will freeze rental prices right now through the end of the liency in our communities over this difcult time. Over year, and then forevermore aferwards not allow landlords these many, many long months, we have seen people pull to hike up rents, sometimes with the fimsiest of excuses, together, come together, help one another out, reach out to way beyond the cost of infation — 4, 5, 6 percent. those that are lef too ofen alone — much more conversa- We hear of renovictions that took place where the rent tion and help towards mental health. We’ve seen from our would double instantly. For a senior on a fxed income, for minister from Nanaimo and others that the response to a young family just trying to make ends meet, this is dev- 408 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 astating. You now have to look for another place because for more than a decade and a half. You’d think they would you simply can’t aford to stay in it. You just don’t have have fgured out that there’s some sort of connection. the money. Because that rental unit is more than just an Te great irony was that many times the owners of these investment opportunity. It’s a home for someone. properties not only did not live in the community in which So this bill, in its prescriptions to put some limits and they were jacking up rents on people; they didn’t even live some accommodations and understanding that never in the province or country. Tey were numbered compan- should rental increases go beyond what infation is doing, ies that owned a whole suite of apartments across the com- I think is important. It is going to make and has already munity. So do you think they cared at all about what their made a huge diference. Tat you don’t read every day on nefarious practices were doing to people and their famil- Facebook or in the newspaper another story of someone ies? Well, of course not. having to lose their home, unable to pay the rent or mort- Tose that are on the extreme right, like some of my col- gage. Tat this government has come in with…. One of the leagues across the way are would say: “Well that’s just the only governments in the country, I think the only govern- market. Tis is a market-based decision.” Tell that to fam- ment in the country, who brought in rental supports. ily who’s scrambling to look for a place for them and their Te evidence has been incredibly profound. Outside of, kids to sleep at night — that suddenly it’s just the market I believe, Newfoundland, we have had the best perform- that their rent went up 50, 60 percent because someone put ance as a province in people being able to meet the rent, in a piece of carpet in the living room. being able to stay in their homes even in the midst of a What frustrated me was that that’s not a healthy eco- global pandemic, which was no one’s fault in particular, nomy. Tat’s no longer an economy performing well for but everybody’s responsibility, and this government has people, which is the point of an economy. Tese numbered stepped up. companies, these ofshore landlords, were able to make Now, tying the rental increases to infation is really these decisions. Tey had a compliant and complicit gov- important. Te other piece was noted by my colleague for ernment in Victoria at the time under the Liberals that Vancouver–West End, where I understand the term was simply didn’t understand or didn’t care. Unfortunately, I invented — this notion of “renovictions,” where someone think it was the latter. is living in a rental property and the landlord comes for- We’ve already saved working people hundreds and hun- ward and says: “Well, I’m doing some renovations, and you dreds of dollars, never mind the rent support but in other need to move out. You were paying $1,500 a month and ways on their rents. Tis, for practical terms, is, I believe, when you want to move back in, it’s going to be $2,000, one of the most noble forms of government, where we can $3,000.” Or even more. look, especially in a moment of crisis, where our true col- We saw this. We saw this up close. I served for a number ours come forward. years as the Member of Parliament for Skeena, which rep- [2:55 p.m.] resented places like Terrace and Kitimat. Anytime there Tis is true in our daily lives. If some great crisis comes was an economic boom going on — when they were refur- upon us or upon friends of ours…. How we act, how they bishing the smelter at Alcan, or when other economic act really truly describes who they are and who we are. opportunities were coming up and suddenly rental prop- Tis is also true for government. When this crisis came erties were becoming more scarce — we saw waves of these upon this government, one of its primary interests was renovictions taking place in which landlords, owners of looking out for people, not just in terms of health, but these properties, would change the countertop in the kit- in what kind of advice and prescriptions we would need chen and the rent would double. Tey would change the to listen to and getting it from the good doctor, Bonnie carpet in the hallway, evict the person because they had to Henry — not from a political spokesperson but from the do this renovation, and suddenly the rent went up 30, 40, head of the CDC — and then following that advice to try 50 percent. to keep people safe, to make sure that we’re making invest- Again, who we’re talking about are working people, ments across the board. Tat showed what a progressive people who are just trying to make those ends meet and government actually does. It looks to the best evidence are doing the jobs that we need every day. Te people available and tries to administer that in a caring and sym- cleaning our hospitals, the people serving us food at the pathetic way to the people we seek to represent. restaurant, the people who are taking care of our kids — Coming out of the last election, we see the pandemic those are the people who would take the hit. continuing, and we’ve seen the efect of a lot of those pol- I’m surprised. I don’t know if I’ve heard from my col- icies, whether it was the direct support to individuals or league from Skeena yet. Tat is a living-proof example, of supports to small businesses, to try to keep them going and those two communities in particular, Terrace and Kitimat, keep the lights on. We have seen that 98.5 percent of the that saw many years of renovictions. Te previous gov- jobs that existed before the pandemic have returned. Of ernment just simply didn’t care. Maybe they didn’t under- course, those haven’t happened evenly. Some sectors, espe- stand, but I fnd that hard to believe. Tey were in there cially the tourism industry, have taken a disproportionate hit. We’ve brought in measures to help them as well. Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 409

But across the board, we’ve seen work return. We’ve avoids people having to take their landlords, individuals, seen life change. We’ve seen our ability to communicate one by one, through other remedies, is a great solution. It this way rather than in person. We’ve seen travel change as allows us to make sure that what’s actually happening in well. Tere’s much more to do. Tat is also true for what’s the property is true and that no one is taking advantage of happening within the rental markets of this province. loopholes in the rules, as has been done in the past, essen- We know that there is still a shortage in the communit- tially to evict people and jack up the rents way beyond ies that I represent, in places like Hazelton, Smithers and what the law allows. Telkwa; further up the line in Stewart; and in some of our [3:00 p.m.] more remote communities like Dease Lake, Iskut and Tele- Tis, to me, is fipping the onus a bit, where before, graph Creek. On reserve, of reserve — all can see a des- renters had to go before various boards and prove that perate need. the renovations were either unnecessary or being exagger- I was speaking with the good people in Atlin just a ated, as opposed to the landlord having to make the case couple of days ago. Now, for those who don’t know their that those people are being evicted for reasonable reasons B.C. geography very well, Atlin is the northwesternmost because they’re tearing entire rooms out and making the community that we have. It tucks into that little part of rental property go through signifcant, signifcant changes, British Columbia nestled up against the Yukon border. In in which somebody just simply couldn’t live in the unit. Atlin — small, beautiful little Atlin — being able to get Now what ends up happening at the other end, in terms of rental properties or properties for seniors to be able to stay the actual rent, is also somewhat justifable and in accord- at home in their retirement years is incredibly difcult, ance with decent human values. because the cost of building housing has gone up as well. I think, in some conclusion, it’s interesting for me that We have some reforms to look at that way. We’ve seen this is the frst speech that I was going to make in the the major licensees making quite a bit of money. But I also Legislature — interesting for me, on a personal note, know from going down to my local lumberyard, here in because it’s being done from some hundreds and hundreds Smithers, B.C., the price of putting up a shed in my back- of kilometres away from the Legislature. I’ve been able to yard has more than doubled in a few years. We need to get to the Legislature once, but not while it was open, and know that that has an impact on our ability to have hous- I look at that room that you’re all in right now as a sacred ing stock on the market. What is happening with prices democratic space. I look forward to the time when we can in our province, and how do we make sure that we have a all return, because I enjoy being with colleagues and hear- province that’s viable for everybody? ing from diferent parts of our province as to what is going Now, there are other things to talk about that this gov- on and what the diferent realities are. ernment has done that I think are incredibly impress- I think it’s also interesting for me, personally, that this is ive and important, with respect to the cost of living, the the topic that I frst get to speak to — a topic that afects ability for people to make it from week to week, month people’s lives every day. And that is the philosophy and the to month. culture of our government in action. What is it when you Now the vaccines are showing up in our community. I vote NDP? Well, it looks like this. We’re going to help out saw a notice out today for Witset. It’s going to be having…. renters. We’re going to make sure that working people have Tat is the Wet’suwet’en village just down the road from a fair shake in this world. Tere are enough challenges as it where I am right now. I know in some of the Gitxsan com- is, being evicted for some sort of false, fake half-renovation munities, as well, and I know in Fort St. James, just to the and watching your rent skyrocket while your paycheque east of me, that there have been vaccination clinics and doesn’t match and doesn’t follow suit. that those are coming, more and more. I think that shows what this government’s about. It’s why It was fantastic to see the announcement with the Min- I decided to run. It’s why I wanted to be a part of this ister of Health, the Premier and Dr. Bonnie Henry government: to see what a truly progressive government recently, talking about what the rollout is going to look could do in action when it comes to mental health, when like for our most elderly, people above 90, and then 85 and it comes to poverty reduction, and when it comes to sys- then those north of 80, so that our most vulnerable are temic racism and uprooting it from the very foundations being taken care of. of what this province is, as we come up on our sesqui- We also need to make sure that they have a roof over centennial. It seems to me that much has been exposed their head, and what I think this bill does is ensure for not through these number of months. It seems to me that our just now but for years to come that the nature of rental government has been attempting to be nimble, to look at properties and the relationship, that power relationship I the research and the evidence that’s before us, to under- talked about earlier between those that own the properties stand what we can do about poverty eradication — not in — whether they’re an individual or a numbered holding speeches like this, but in real-time action, like this bill that company, here or overseas — and the people renting the we’re talking about. properties, is a little more balanced. Tat will make a real diference in people’s lives, each Te new compliance and enforcement unit, which and every day, so that when they open up the hydro bill, 410 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 when they open up the heat bill, it’s not with so much pain, people together, to allow them to share their perspectives because they know their rent is not going to suddenly go and concerns about how to improve the situation for the through the roof. Tey know that they’re not going to be real lives of people. I know that renters and landlords renovicted and suddenly pushed out of their home and across this province have asked for these changes. Tis struggling and looking for a place for them and their kids legislation responds to some of their main concerns. I to call home. Tat’s what we’re talking about today. know that this will make life better for the renters if it It’s an honour to be able to address the House this way passes in this House. to talk about this. I look forward to the support from all What do these changes do? First and foremost — and sides of the House. If they talk to their constituents who this is the thing I hear about the most in my riding — is are renters, they will understand how much this means to afordability. Communities across B.C. are sufering from them. Is there more to do? Of course there is. Tere always an afordability crisis when it comes to rental units and is. Tere are always new challenges. Tat’s what the joy housing. Tis problem was only exacerbated by the pan- and the thrill of this kind of work is — that there’s always demic, as people have insecure employment and have something new. But is this a good bill? Yes, it is. Does it really felt the impacts of the public health orders on their help out people today and tomorrow? Yes, it does. Does it employment. deserve our support? I very much think so. First up with the rent freeze. I want to acknowledge that the province already introduced a rent freeze during COV- N. Sharma: I’d like to start by acknowledging that I’m ID-19. I heard from so many people that these changes coming to you from Zoom on the traditional territory of provided much-needed relief about the concerns of rising the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam people. It’s expenses and the sense of stability in at least one very sig- just a real honour, and I’d like to acknowledge that. nifcant expense for many people — that’s their rent. It’s my pleasure today to speak on behalf of Bill 7 in this It is going to be way more impactful if this rent freeze second reading. through this legislation would increase to last until 2021. Tese are challenging times for many people. In my rid- It’ll take us some time to recover from the pandemic, and ing, housing is one of the biggest challenges. In Vancou- we’re all just fguring out the hope that’s on the way and ver-Hastings, over 40 percent of the people are renters, the vaccine rollout plan. I know that many people are look- and in these challenging times, renting can be insecure ing forward to that. But it will take some time for those and unafordable. I’ve heard from many people, especially especially highly impacted communities and industries to young people, who have had a tough time afording rent or recover from this. Tis rent freeze extension to 2021 I have been evicted from their homes far too many times for know will help a lot of families and seniors out there who illegal reasons. are looking for a break on their expenses. Te issues in the rental market lead to housing insec- Under this legislation, there could be no rent increase urity for many and even homelessness for some. I’ve cer- in 2021, even if you’ve already received a notice of a rent tainly seen that in my riding. Tese issues, as we all increase. Tose people who are wondering how they’re know, have been made worse during the pandemic. If going to pay or respond to that notice can get that sense all you can aford is a share of a unit with many other of relief knowing that the government is on their side and people, it may be difcult for you to lower your risk of thinking about how to help them through this pandemic. exposure to COVID-19. Tat’s something that our ofce More importantly when it comes to afordability, it’s not has heard of far too ofen. just about recovering from the pandemic. It’s about the [3:05 p.m.] long-term afordability that renters are feeling, especially Tese are real challenges for many people, and this in Metro Vancouver and in my riding. Tat means that this legislation is part of the answer. I think we can all agree, legislation will cap rental increases. Starting in 2022 and no matter where we come from in B.C., that we need to beyond, rental increases will be capped at the rate of infa- continue to improve the situation for renters and landlords tion. Tis is fulflling a commitment by this government. across this province to make housing more secure. I’m so I know that this will save renters hundreds of dollars glad that this government is investing in housing across a year. I’ve heard far too ofen, and I’m sure people the spectrum under the housing for B.C. 30-point plan and across this province have heard, about the staggering that there’s a special focus on renters. rises in rent over the years when we had a government I would like to acknowledge the member for Vancou- that turned away and looked away — looked at renting ver–West End, who’s been a strong advocate for his whole as just being a fun and wacky time in somebody’s life political career, even locally, when it comes to protecting and something that they, at some point, would get over; renters. It’s such an important issue in Vancouver and I whereas rent is something that families, seniors and know across the province. people across B.C. face every month and will continue to Te member chaired the rental tenancy task force to face because it’s too unafordable to purchase housing in take a look at how we make life better for renters. A great this province. I know this rent freeze will be welcome to way, in my opinion, to solve complex problems is to bring many people across the province. Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 411

Another issue that I’ve heard of very ofen in my riding I think all those, including myself, who have rented, is the issue of renovictions. Again, I want to start by who have encountered issues under the Residential Ten- acknowledging the member for Vancouver–West End for ancy Act and had to go towards the branch, have really his work. As he mentioned, somebody in his riding coined appreciated the investments that we’ve made in that pro- the term when it came to renovictions. It was certainly cess. But I know that this legislation will go further, that something that we were feeling and hearing in Vancouver- it will make it easier to enforce when there are breaches Hastings when landlords were misusing the rules and say- in some of the rules that, at this stage, don’t have proper ing that they were doing renovations to the unit to kick out enforcement. It will expand the scope of administrative the renter and increase the rents. penalties that the compliance and enforcement unit can Tis has had a serious impact on renters in my com- level, including, if anybody gives false or misleading infor- munity and has led to homelessness for many and some of mation against the act, there are fnes and there are ways the impacts that we see in and around our streets in Van- to enforce it in a better way. couver-Hastings. I know that illegal renovictions can be I know that that will help a lot of people who ofentimes devasting to people. Some have told me stories of people are unrepresented by lawyers, who are going through this who have been in their houses for decades, only to be ren- process trying to make sure that their rights are respected. ovicted. Imagine the stress in looking for a place afer a I know it will also improve fairness in the residential renoviction and trying to compare what you were paying tenancy dispute resolution process by expanding grounds in the past to what you are now forced to pay with the cur- and providing a new review process for the decisions that rent market rents. are made. [3:10 p.m.] I also wanted to comment on the much-needed im- I know that these protections in this legislation for ten- provements under the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy ants against these renovictions will be very welcome for Act to address the conficts between park rules and ten- people in my riding. ancy agreements. Te process, I think, is also something I wanted to point I know that this is part of a much-needed plan for out, which is very important. It shifs the onus away from renters that is bigger than just this legislation, even though renters in proving illegal activity of their landlord in hav- this legislation is a key part of it. Our government has ing a renoviction that isn’t actually needed. What this made important improvements to rental housing policies legislation will do is further protect tenants as the land- in B.C. We’ve saved renters money, and we’ve better pro- lords will be required to apply to the residential tenancy tected them. We’ve also improved services that renters and branch before they can evict tenants for renovations. landlords can count on. In addition, landlords will not be able to end tenancies Part of these protections are putting more units on the for renovations that are not substantial and do not market. In 2020, we’d already registered more rental units require the rental unit to be vacant. Tis is huge for for construction by July than the old government ever people and I know will help to cool some of the increases did in an entire year. Eighteen thousand more condos are in the rental costs for people across my riding and across being rented out in Metro Vancouver instead of sitting the province. empty, thanks to the speculation and vacancy tax. We’ve I also wanted to comment on how I believe this legisla- got over 26,000 homes complete and underway in 90 com- tion takes a very balanced approach. As I mentioned earli- munities, including 6,800 complete and 19,200 in active er, the residential tenancy task force really had a voice construction. from people on all sides of this issue. Landlords and We’ve improved the fxed-term-lease loophole, making renters and a whole bunch across the province weighed in it harder — once again protecting renters from landlords’ on how they thought we could make things better. Tese misuse of some of the rules. improvements are real improvements that are balanced. We’ve known for many years that this has been a prob- Tey will also make sure that we can continue to improve lem and a growing problem. We’ve actually stepped up to our housing and our rental units. the challenge to address it. I’m so proud to be part of a If landlords need to make improvements to their prop- government that’s on the side of making lives better for erties, which is very important, they can apply to the resid- people, investing in their lives, making the rules fairer and ential tenancy act to make those investments, even if this making it better for renters who are struggling with the requires an increase to the cap. If they can prove it and it’s unafordable housing in their communities. going to be benefting their rental unit, then it would be I know that there’s more work to be done, as there allowed under this legislation. always is, but I do know that our government has a strong I also wanted to comment on the other improvements commitment to continuing to do that work. Tis legisla- that this legislation will bring forward to all landlords and tion shows the progress that we’re already making in meet- tenants in this province. Tat has to do with making it ing our commitments, listening to landlords and tenants easier on them when they come to the residential tenancy that came before us, under the task force, to make these branch. changes and agree with them. 412 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021

[3:15 p.m.] It’s also worth mentioning that that task force was put I would just like to end by saying I would hope that this together in April of 2018, and by December of 2018 that legislation would have the support across the aisle, as we task force did the job that was asked of them. Tey had 23 know, and we all must hear, that this is much-needed relief recommendations. If this government was serious…. I’m for renters across the province. sorry. Some of it just falls a little hollow to me that it’s now 2021, and nothing was done. It’s been three years — three B. Banman: It’s a pleasure for me to speak to this par- years of inaction. ticular bill on the foor of the House today, albeit virtually. I’m glad we’re getting to something, but this govern- Te frst thing I’d like to bring into it is that I was the may- ment could have helped those that they say they want to or of Abbotsford, and I also sat on council. I’dlike to talk to help a long time ago. In the process of that, the rents have you about the issues and the challenges that this city faces. gone up on average of $2,500 a year, and this govern- For decades now, it has been…. Because of the migra- ment…. Also, there’s no sign of the $400 that was prom- tion east and the growth of population, we sufered with ised to renters. a low vacancy rate. One of the things that Abbotsford did In addition to that, I think it’s worth mentioning that no to look at things in a diferent aspect is that we started piece of legislation is perfect, and part of the opposition’s aggressively legalizing secondary suites. What that did was job is to point out: “Wait a minute. We think you missed a allow for afordable housing. It had a mortgage helper for spot here.” One of the glaring omissions that was pointed those that wanted to purchase their frst home or purchase out was the students. Tey have been totally lef out. Tis a home and move from a condominium or townhouse to a legislation should be changed to include them for that very single-family home. reason alone. It also, in the pooling of the school districts, allowed Tose students are some of the most vulnerable. I for a large diversity of students that were now able to do remember being a student, surviving on $400 a month, that. For instance, in some of the more afuent neighbour- sharing a place with my colleagues. I remember what it hoods, there were suites where there was a balancing with- was like, where there just wasn’t a lot of money lef over. in that school system, and it worked. So I’m familiar with To leave students out, I think, is a glaring omission in the challenges, and I am familiar with some of the solu- this particular bill, and I would encourage this govern- tions. I will say that we were one of the leaders in doing ment to rectify that. this, and it provided thousands of legalized suites — safe I know what they want to do is the right thing. But suites that were inspected and had to meet certain criteria. it’s worth mentioning that 114,000 units have been prom- I’ve heard some mentions…. I applaud the intent of this ised by this government, yet only 3,000, approximately, bill, and I applaud the task force, which was established have been built. At that rate, it’s going to take 100 years to in 2018. It was designed to provide fairness and secur- get this job done. I think there’s room for improvement. I ity to both renters and landlords. Much of the discussion, think we can all agree that there is room for improvement. unfortunately, that I’ve heard, has put landlords in a very, What I see is a history here of…. A task force was put very unfavourable light. I think that that is blatantly unfair, in. Te task force came within a short period of time. because the majority of landlords, as are renters, are good Te promise was denied. We’re now, three years later, people. Teir intention as well…. getting at this. And $400 was promised. Tere’s no sight I know, based on my experience…. I rented, and I seen of that. Hundreds of thousands of units were prom- remember moving from one place to another when I was ised — 114,000 — and we’ve got less than 3,000 that renting. I always held my breath when it was time for the actually have hit the ground. checkout — whether I was going to get my security depos- But the biggest erring omission to this that I see is…. it back and whether any damage had been done. Luckily, I have talked to landlords where their tenants just refuse I was never assessed a penalty, because I was one of those to pay, and they were lef not being able to evict them. tenants that looked afer the place, as the vast majority do. Ten when they went to try and see what was wrong, I have also personally experienced, and I have heard they were told: “Oh, you can’t come because I have stories, absolute horror stories, where, within a very short COVID.” No proof of that was ever given. No doctor’s period of time, the rental unit is virtually destroyed, and note of that was ever given. Tat excuse was used many, the minor, minor damage deposit doesn’t come anywhere many times. Tis landlord, fnally, was able to look at the close to fxing the damages that have been incurred. Tat’s house, and it was a mess. a very minor group of renters that do that, but they exist. Tis is just a guy that works a simple job, decided to What I don’t want to do…. I guess what I’m trying to say invest in a property and rent it out with the hopes of being is that we need to paint a brush of fairness, and we need to able to make a little — you know, just trying to get ahead. go back to why that task force was put in place. It was put It wasn’t some multimillion-dollar person. It was just a guy in place to apply fairness and security for both renters and that works a normal job. He and his wife put everything landlords. they had together to do an investment, and it has not [3:20 p.m.] Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 413 panned out well. He’ll be able to survive, but it has cost seen consequence of painting the brush and that pendu- him tens of thousands of dollars. lum swinging too far to one side. Te problem that Abbotsford had was supply. We’re quickly running out of available buildable land, and partly [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] why we went with suites was to encourage density, because everybody believes, and I agree, that we want to improve I believe that there needs to be some fairness for renters. density in our cities. In order for that to happen, investors Tere needs to be some security. I go back to when…. I have to be willing to have a return on their investment. remember what it was like. I remember wondering wheth- Now, how much that return should be, well, we can have a er my rents were going to go up. Tat’s another thing. discussion about that. You have now guaranteed that every single year, rents are [3:25 p.m.] going to go up, every year, because it’s going to be tied to But if you make the rules so onerous and treat landlords infation. If we don’t increase the rent, we’ll miss out. Te as if they’re the enemy, which is kind of what I’m hearing unforeseen consequence. — it’s painting them in that bad light — people will stop For some renters, rents have never gone up for years. I investing in real estate, and they’ll fnd other ways to take know of people like that. I know landlords who say: “You their moneys to build that retirement nest egg, as the gen- know what? I’ve got the best tenant in the world. To me, tleman that I was talking about did. Tey’ll stop investing I know that ever time I go there, the place is spick and in this, and we will actually have a worse problem on our span. Tey’re great. Tey look afer it. Tey’re just fantast- hands than we have now. ic. I want to reward them by keeping the rent low.” With Tere has to be balance, fairness and security for both this new infationary thing, that will cease to happen. You landlords and the tenants. What I see here is legislation will end up, actually, in some cases, hurting some people that is well-intentioned but that has missed the funda- that never would have had a rent increase. So be careful of mental core, which is that you need to have people willing those…. to want to invest in rental incomes, to want to invest in [3:30 p.m.] rental properties. I’ve heard stories about these numbered One of my city managers used to say that you need to companies and multinationals that don’t even live here, be wary of the unforeseen consequences of the decision. and others painting the brush that’s pretty wide. While Quite ofen, we try to fx one problem, and we create three well-intentioned, it’s just inaccurate. or four more. I believe, long term, that this legislation has Many people either have a small basement suite, as in pushed the envelope to the point that we are going to chase my neck of the woods, or they also have a willingness to investment away. It will make the rental vacancies worse, want to assemble properties and to get into the rental busi- not better. ness itself. If you make your rules so full of red tape and Tose that have a place they’re renting…. Maybe they’ll bureaucracy that it becomes so difcult, people will end do okay. But if the goal is to provide more housing, not up just investing in other areas, and this will end up being less, I think this needs some revamping. I think it’s been a worse. little too punitive in some areas. I would caution this government to make sure that you I agree with the intent. I applaud the intent to protect go back to the original things of fairness and security for renters from unscrupulous landlords. I don’t think you’ll both parties. Landlords are not the enemy. Yes, there are fnd anyone on this side of the house that disagrees with some bad ones out there, and they need to be dealt to be that, but I think that this falls short, and it will actually dealt with. We need to have rules put in place to deal with create a worse housing crisis. But it may take a few years the bad apples on both sides. Tis legislation, in my opin- for that to come, because people will start changing where ion, is weighted unfairly towards one side, and it paints they invest. those that are providing a service in a bad light. I don’t Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for the time. believe that that was the original intention of what was I hope that my experience, having been sitting around wanting to be done here. the mayors’ table where we’re quite ofen putting our I would say to you: take a look at this. Listen to what hands up to approve or disapprove of a certain project some of the folks on this side of the House are saying to that comes before a city…. I’m talking about dealing with you. Let’s tweak this legislation so that it meets the goals problems in Abbotsford that we lived. I’m not just making it was originally done for, where it has fairness and secur- stuf up because it sounds good. I’ve sat around that table. ity for renters and the landlords. Do not make the rules so I have watched developments come before council and tight that you scare people away. those decisions that are made. I know the gentleman I talked to said: “I’m out. I’m To paint cities, saying that they’re part of the problem…. going to sell. I’m going to go do something else.” He said: Tat’s somewhat fair, but it’s also incredibly unfair at the “I’ll survive. Luckily, my wife and I were both working, and same time. Tere are some provincial bureaucracies and we had help from family. But if it had not been for that, rules that cities have to follow that also make it incredibly I would have lost everything I owned.” Tat’s the unfore- challenging for us. Te thing I’ve learned is that you don’t 414 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 know what you don’t know. Tere are times when the pen- meetings did just a fabulous job. It’s kind of like corralling dulum swings a bit too far, and I think that is exactly cats to be able to have those conversations in a few hours in what has happened in this particular legislation. Tere diferent communities and come up with something that’s have been some errors. Tere have been some omissions. substantial. Tey shared it very articulately to help guide Tere’s still time to fx that. us in what was the best way forward. Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for the time. I hope I think that one of the comments that I’ve heard from that my colleagues on the other side of the foor will speakers from the other side is that we haven’t done any- ponder over what I’ve said, will refect upon what I’ve thing. Well, we got to business right away. I think that said and come up where we can actually have good legis- that’s a tribute to our public service as much as it is to lation that provides that fairness and security for both the commitment of our government to fnd ways to close landlord and renters. the fxed-term leases, the loophole that was causing rent increases. We gave more time around renovictions. We R. Leonard: It is a great privilege for me to stand here increased compensation. Tose are the sorts of things that to speak to Bill 7 today. I was a member of the residential made a diference immediately, without requiring quite tenancy housing task force. Too many words in that name. the degree of legislative research that’s required to make I really appreciated the leadership that the MLA for Van- sure that you get it right. couver–West End, Coal Harbour, provided. His many We also saw an increase in education. We saw the years of experience have given us, across the board, a lot resources to the residential tenancy branch increase so that of opportunities to advocate for more fair processes for the time in which disputes could be resolved and people everyone. got the answers to their questions reduced signifcantly, I wanted to just share a little bit about the experiences afer years and years and years of frustration, and really that I had, going from place to place across the province. trying this sector in our society, which is so vital for every- You would think that tenants and landlords have the same body — to have a roof over their heads. kinds of experience in every community. But that was not I was really impressed with the immediate impact with the case. Not even close. Te experience with landlords the compliance and enforcement unit. When they were in Terrace was so very diferent from the experiences of introduced, there was opportunity for redress. It made the landlords in Burnaby. Tenants in the Interior experienced ability to be a landlord and it made the ability to be a ten- a whole diferent set of circumstances from Vancouver or ant that much more secure, because there was a place to Victoria. We got hundreds of submissions. We heard hun- go. Tere was somebody who was going to listen. We also dreds of organizations and individuals coming forward ended up with a liaison ofcer to help with resolving issues with a vast array of experiences. Landlords had tenants before they get out of hand. who were…. I can’t use the word in this House for what I just want to talk about the rent freeze frst. Tis is with- they were described as. We had tenants who had landlords in the legislation that’s before us today. It takes us to the who were considered monsters. end of 2021. We have been dealing with COVID over the [3:35 p.m.] space of a year. Actually, it was on March 13. I was going to Te people we didn’t get were the people — the vast have a workshop in my community with TRAC, the tenant majority of people — who are just living their lives, going rights advocacy centre. Tey were going to come over from about their business, making sure that they can pay the the Lower Mainland. Te night before, Friday the 13th, I rent, taking care of their homes. Landlords who were tak- had to cancel it because we knew that the province was ing care of their investment and building relationships. going to be shut down. Tat’s one of the big things that we found — that when [3:40 p.m.] confict arises, it’s because there’s a broken relationship. People’s lives were changed. One of the frst things that Tat’s kind of the key, which makes the issue of the mar- we started to hear about was how people were worried ketplace, with housing, so diferent from any other entre- about how they were going to pay the rent. By freezing preneurial enterprise, whether you own a big apartment rents and by stopping evictions, it gave people some secur- building or whether you own a house with a suite in it. ity while they got their lives in order during this pandemic. Tat’s the key — that there’s a human element to the As we’ve progressed through the pandemic and peo- enterprise, so it demands a very diferent lens. We cer- ple have gotten back to work, it has been an opportunity tainly got to hear about what would be the right way to for people to stand up proud and pay their rent and, if go about things. Te issues of fairness and creating bal- they were in arrears, to fnd ways to move forward and ance…. It was so important that we have an open ear and get those debts paid back, in a reasonable way, when listen to all parties. So I think that we came to a good they’re dealing with such constraints. We have the lowest balance from all those hundreds of submissions and just rental arrears in the country, outside of Newfoundland, as many recommendations, to pare it down to some- which is pretty impressive. We’re doing all right in Brit- thing that was realizable. ish Columbia. Some of us are struggling harder than I have to say that the folks who organized all of the Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 415 others, for sure, but we have set a path forward to make substantial and for which people do not have to leave the life more afordable. home. Tat rent freeze. While it is a constraint on landlords Tat’s important, because it is about that security of that they can’t raise the rent, we have a program called the tenancy. It doesn’t stop renovations, and it doesn’t stop recovery beneft. It helps people throughout British Col- people from being able to maintain their properties. In umbia who are in a variety of circumstances to make it fact, it’s continuing to be encouraged. Something we’re through where there’ve been some losses. looking forward to in the future is around a process to I just want to recall that prior to 2017, the rent increases allow landlords to fnd ways to recoup their costs when were up to a 4.3 percent increase, far above infation. If they do more substantial renovations while still maintain- rents were allowed to increase today — infation is down ing that same tenant. — there would be no additional allowances. It was 1.4. But I wanted to quote David Hutniak from LandlordBC. On even that can make the diference for somebody being able this legislation, he’s saying that it mitigates “what has, at to buy that loaf of bread to make sandwiches for their kids times, been an unnecessarily confrontational process.” I to take to school. Tose are the sorts of decisions that you go back to what I said earlier. Tis is about relationships. make during the tough times. When you set up a system that doesn’t work unless there’s I am very glad that we are freezing it until the end confrontation, you’re not helping the situation. Tis is pav- of the year. People who have gotten notice, even now, ing a much more positive path forward so that we can have don’t have to pay a rent increase; they may not know a more robust rental housing marketplace, both for tenants that. Come September, there’s a possibility that people and for landlords. will see their notices, and they’ll take efect in 2022, but I want to talk about the question around procedural not before that. fairness. We heard a lot from people who wanted to not Oh, I want to talk about the rent increases because we have to jump into the courts for judicial review on matters also heard another member talking about student hous- that were not trivial but not so substantive that they ing. It is true that student housing doesn’t pertain to this needed to go…. Tey were barred from getting justice particular piece of legislation. However, the Ministry of because they couldn’t aford the lawyer to take it up for Advanced Education, Skills and Training has a program judicial review. Taking that forward, to expand the to bring in up to 8,000 housing units for students, of grounds for procedural fairness, is something that people which there are now 5,000 that have been created since really wanted to hear about. Tey wanted to hear of us tak- 2018. Tey have been priced and supported below mar- ing action, and we have. Tat’s what’s coming forward with ket value. this amendment. I got some of the numbers just before I came in here. I think I’ve mentioned already about the compliance BCIT in Burnaby. Teir rent for those student housing and enforcement unit. Just to reiterate what they are get- units is 10 percent below market value. At Coast Mountain ting more of — taking a good thing and making it better: College in Terrace, it’s 15 percent below market value. In they’re being given more authority for investigation, to the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, it’s 30 to 40 per- compel records. Tey will get more authority around levy- cent less than the market value. Tat’s pretty signifcant, ing administrative penalties and being able to apply penal- and it’s a recognition that students are living in a vastly dif- ties for false or misleading information. Tis is paving the ferent world than the rest of us. Te constraints that they way for a much more positive road for people when they’re have around being able to earn money while they’re get- considering becoming a landlord. ting an education are very tough. When considering making an investment in something Oh, yeah. We also stopped interest on the B.C. student as difcult — I raise my hands to people who become loans, and that has an impact on afordability in terms of landlords, because it’s not easy — it’s not like buying some- housing. It’s not just the students. Once you’ve graduated thing that just appreciates in value. You have relationships and you still have a debt load and you don’t see debt rising there. You’re not going to get the best bang for your bucks because you don’t have interest, that gives you opportunity in your investment unless you work on that human ele- in the future. Tat gives you, when you’re out of the stu- ment. It’s so important that we make sure that we create a dent housing, space to be able to pay rent within the mar- system that helps landlords to make good on those kinds ketplace. of investments that they’re making. [3:45 p.m.] I wanted to point out, as well, that this legislation One of the other amendments is around stopping illegal brings in a way forward to avoid the layers of hearings renovictions. Come July 1, there’ll be a whole dispute res- that landlords would need to get orders for outstanding olution process that is a replication of something similar rent that might be owed. Instead of having to go back that’s happening already in Ontario. It’s not about trying for a second hearing, they get to have it dealt with at the to stop landlords from maintaining their properties. It’s time. Tis is that balance of fnding ways forward that about landlords who would take an opportunity beyond are about fairness. the scope and try and evict people for things that are not [3:50 p.m.] 416 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021

I wanted to talk about the one piece that I haven’t heard [3:55 p.m.] a lot about. I think I heard the previous speakers mention But I also got to see, on my walk back to the hotel room, it — the manufactured home parks. Tat is something a new Foundry that had opened up, one of our mental near and dear to my heart. I grew up all over Canada and health and substance use wraparound services for youth. It sometimes living on military bases. Always there was a was very uplifing to know that we’re making a diference section of the PMQs, permanent married quarters, that every day and in diferent ways to make life better for all was manufactured homes. We didn’t call them manufac- British Columbians. tured homes at that time, but that’s what they were. It Just on a fnal note, I got stuck in the Prince George becomes a lifestyle. People take their homes with them Airport for eight hours on that trip. Because of that from place to place. Not all manufactured home parks are storm and because of wildfres, the people of British like that now. Tey are a lot more permanent, but they are Columbia have shown just how resilient they are. Tey afordable. Tis is afordable housing for so many people. endure weather like no other that I’ve ever experienced. One of the challenges, though, is that they have that Tey have endured foods. Tey have endured incredible pride of ownership of owning their home, but they don’t wildfres, and sometimes they endure a lot of hardship have the security of the space where they park it. One of because life has not always been afordable. I am just so the challenges that we heard while we were on the road proud, since 2017, that we have taken steps every single was the challenge of not having that security. day to make life more afordable, to bring the services When the mobile home park owner, the manufactured that people need and to be able to build a more sustain- park owner, changes the rules and makes the circum- able future not just in the downtown core of Vancouver stances so that you can’t stay there, there’s no security in but throughout all of British Columbia. that. Tere’s no sense of fairness. Tis legislation is going I appreciate the committee work that I get to be a to do something about that. We’re going to see the oppor- part of, where I can go and have some comradeship with tunity for those homeowners and the manufactured home people from the diferent parties that sit in this House park owners to consult on a regulation to see how ofen and fnd some common ground — and also to fnd ways park rules can change. forward together. One of the more substantial pieces that’s within the As we go forward with COVID and the vaccination legislation itself is the fact that there will be…. It clarifes program, I know that landlords, tenants and people that manufactured home parks’ rules cannot be changed throughout British Columbia will work together to make to override your tenancy agreement. Tat’s something that sure that we all get the protection that we want, that we people who rent…. Tat’s sort of a basic tenet of being a need and that we can move forward. tenant is to know that you can’t have rules that…. It’s a ten- I thank you very much for the opportunity to speak to et of life that you can’t have rules that override legislation. this amendment, and I look forward to seeing the pas- It’s the same thing. You have an agreement in place. You sage of Bill 7. can’t override it by just unilaterally changing the rules. So these are all just…. Tey’re substantial pieces to mak- E. Ross: Tank you to Skeena for sending me back to ing life more secure, they’re making life more afordable the Legislature to represent them here in Victoria, as well and making good on our promises that are not quite fn- as my sympathies and condolences to those who are suf- ished yet. We know that there’s still more work coming, but fering throughout B.C., whether it be medically or men- it’s getting there. We know that we’re working hard to con- tally. We’re in the same boat as you, wherever you are in tinue to make life better. B.C., whether it be in urban areas or the rural areas or in I almost interrupted myself earlier. I wanted to talk our First Nations communities. about the trips that we had to diferent communities and Tis is an interesting topic, and I’ve already heard some- hearing people’s experiences. I just wanted to share this, body mention my constituency and wondering whether or because Prince George is an amazing place. I never got to not I was going to get up to speak or not. I’ve got a lot visit Prince George before I was an MLA. I got to go to one to say on this, because I’ve actually seen both sides of this of these events, and it was very well attended. I was walk- equation over my lifetime, as an adult. I’ve been a renter ing back to my hotel and a thunderstorm started. My hotel for over 20 years, and when I got elected to council in is in downtown Prince George. You could see it coming. I 2003, I was surprised to learn I was a landlord, but in a dif- sat in my window of my hotel room, and for half an hour ferent context. I flmed with my little phone because it was like a strobe Over those years as a renter, I rented in Prince George, light show. Kitimat. I rented in Abbotsford, and never once did I feel Knowing that there are people living out rough and hav- that I was treated unfairly. In fact, I was treated more ing to endure that…. While it was amazing for me to be than fairly on more than one occasion when I couldn’t safe inside, to look out and watch and to know that there make my rent. were some people that were having to experience that — it I’ve heard some of the conversation here, and I com- was pretty tough. mend both sides of the House for those that talk about a Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 417 balanced approach to this problem. Tat’s the right way to proud to say that my band actually purchased an apart- have this conversation. ment block in Kitimat for $11 million, more so to provide For those MLAs that have spoken already and are trying housing for our people but also to relieve the rental crunch to pinpoint the landlords as the bad guy here, where there’s in terms of the rising cost of rent and the cost of living. something wrong with the landlord system, whether it be Guess what. My band is not interested in making dollars a private owner or whether it be a block apartment owner, of this. Tey’re not interested in making profts. Tey’re shame on you, because this is a complicated issue. Tere interested in breaking even. Tey’re interested in actually are a lot of factors that go into whether or not there are making society even better now that we’re part of the equa- enough rental units or what afects the price, and it’s in tion. Tey did the same thing with those LNG dollars diferent parts of B.C. where this exists. To kind of fnd when they donated $300,000 to a local hospital to help the bad guy and try to divide British Columbians in this with COVID. context and actually refer to this government as a noble So all this opposition to all the economic development government? Come on. I mean, we’re legislators here. We projects, to a band like what my band was trying to should be talking about real issues, real solutions. achieve…. You didn’t see the bigger picture. Now, for some [4:00 p.m.] of those MLAs sitting there and talking about how evil For the most part, I do understand what the govern- landlords are with renovictions or whatever it may be…. ment is trying to achieve in this bill. I don’t know if they It’s unfair to stereotype an entire industry. It’s not fair. I achieve it or not. We’re going to fnd out within the next know that exists, but there are also bad tenants, as well. year. On both sides of the equation, I think that is where the I do understand how hard it is to fnd a balance, based value of this conversation is going in terms of the value of on my experience. In 2003, as a chief and council…. Our what we’re talking about when we’re talking about balance. landlord experience is quite diferent from those living of I’d love that conversation. You know what? Where is the reserve. As a landlord for social housing and for rental balance? I think a big part of that balance is going to be units, if we don’t get that rent payment from the members met over the upcoming fve or ten years. Right? living in those houses, we don’t have enough money to pay We still haven’t talked about the main problem, which of that bill for the housing construction in the frst place. is supply. I mean, even a band council like mine…. We We don’t have money to pay for maintenance. didn’t even get engaged in this kind of conversation, but Guess what. Tere are consequences. Ottawa takes the we understood supply. You create more supply, and rents amount of money that’s owed for these houses out of your go down. You create more supply, and housing prices go program-delivery dollars, which is unfair, because those down. program-delivery dollars could actually pay for something Tis is not the golden rule for everywhere across B.C. It else, especially in today’s day and age when we’re looking at was mentioned already that the boom in Kitimat under the more programs for youth and elders. Now, you come out- RTA modernization for the smelter made prices rise. Okay. side of this, and you don’t have those punitive mechanisms I can agree with that in terms of LNG Canada. Tat doesn’t for governments outside of a reserve, because the Indian explain the housing prices in Vancouver. It doesn’t explain Act is a totally diferent world. the housing prices in Victoria. Tey didn’t have major pro- Tis is what band councils have to live with. Tis is why jects, so how is the argument supposed to kind of fx what you see so many band councils now trying to raise money we’re doing here? outside of the Indian Act. Tis is why you saw bands like [4:05 p.m.] mine that pushed so hard to engage the LNG industry As elected leaders, we had to deal with this. In terms even though there was so much opposition — even from of balance that this government is trying to achieve, we those colleagues sitting across the foor right here who had to deal with the same conversation. I heard many, signed anti-LNG declarations, who showed up to protests, many possible solutions, right from writing of the entire who didn’t even come to ask a band like mine why we were expense, which actually afected other programs or the doing it. Te proceeds of this actually go into what we’re ability to deliver new programs or existing programs…. I talking about here today. also heard the extreme of just evicting every single band In fact, one of the frst things I thought about in terms of member, which was done under previous councils, and I the housing crunch was: why don’t we take our band mem- refused to do that. bers of this crunch using LNG dollars? We can do it now. Tere are issues that people are facing that we have to We can buy an apartment block. We can build an apart- take into consideration, things that we’re not even seeing ment block on reserve. We don’t have to ask anybody. We frsthand, especially in terms of First Nations historically can just do it, because we have the money. in Canada, even today, living under 68 percent unemploy- Nobody on that side of the foor ever came to us and ment. Tere’s an issue there that says they might not be asked: what do you think about engaging with LNG in the able to make their house payment or their rental payment. context of some of the issues that you’re facing? Now, we On the other side of that, I understood the council, with couldn’t have enlightened you because…. Right now, I’m the defcit fnancing they were doing with the Canadian 418 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 government…. Where’s the balance? Where’s the middle a house, put down some roots someplace where they can ground? I don’t think, in this conversation, there’s a bad actually start to build their lives. Tere’s more to this con- guy, not to what some of the government MLAs are infer- versation than what we’re just talking about here. It doesn’t ring. Tere’s no bad guy here. We, as legislators, should help when we’re trying to paint the tenants as bad people be able to take the high road and actually get away from or the landlords as bad people. It doesn’t help. that kind of talk and stop dividing British Columbians and Te last thing I’ll close with is I heard a colleague talk in actually fnd solutions. I’ve heard many solutions in my referring to his own government as noble — a noble gov- last three years. ernment. Wow. I couldn’t believe that one. Tis govern- I’ve also heard colleagues on both sides of this House ment, in terms of the housing crunch we’re talking about, talking about the issues that each party represents: the in terms of rental supply we’re talking about, promised renter, in terms of unfair landlord practices; the landlord 114,000 houses being built. Tey haven’t even come close that doesn’t have a very suitable tenant. Tere could to that number. How is that noble? Te renter’s rebate that be fnancial considerations, especially during COVID, was promised — 400 bucks. Didn’t deliver. How is that when we see so many people out of work and not bring- noble? To take this one amendment to a bill and then blast ing home an income. it across the whole record of this government and actu- I understand that, but a landlord, especially a private ally defne your government as noble? I don’t know. I think landlord, has got a lot on the table too. Tey might have there are a lot of people that will actually argue that point. taken out a loan to buy this property. It might have been For the most part, I’m interested in seeing where this their retirement plan. I heard an insensitive remark about government actually takes the real issue of supply in terms this when it was mentioned that this person didn’t have a of home ownership as well as afordability in terms of rent retirement plan, so they invested in a house. Tat might without raising more taxes. Because ’21-22 taxes increase have been their retirement plan, and the comment back for new taxes? Tat doesn’t help. Tat actually raises the was: “Well, you should have had a job that had a retirement cost of afordability when it comes to British Columbians. plan.” Tat is so insensitive. You have no idea what some Tank you very much, hon. Chair. of these people are going through or what they had to live through in the last 30, 40 years, becoming a homeowner Deputy Speaker: Tank you very much, Member. and then trying to map out the rest of their future. Now going over to the Tird Party House Leader, the Tis is the political road, the stereotypical road of being member for Saanich North and the Islands. a politician, trying to fnd that bad guy. Tere are bad land- lords. Tere are bad tenants. Tat middle ground, through A. Olsen: Tank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s wonderful to see the tenancy branch, when we were trying to fnd it…. you in the chair again. In my riding, I’ve already had a number of people come I rise today — or I sit today — to speak to Bill 7, the into my ofce and say they’re getting out of the landlord Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, from my ofce here business because they had no redress. Tey can’t get the in the Legislature. costs for damages done. Tey can’t go and clean up the I’d like to start today by acknowledging Mr. Beads. Mr. apartment. Tere’s just nothing for them. So what they’ll Beads is an individual in the town of Sidney that many do is just let the lease expire, and they’ll sell the house. people who live on the Saanich Peninsula would know. He Well, that just takes more supply of the market. I think passed away recently. He spent a lot of time on Beacon this is the balance that I hope the government is talking Avenue in Sidney beading beautiful pieces of art and about, making sure that landlords don’t get so angry that selling them there. Mr. Beads is going to be missed in Sid- they just walk away, and then our problem of vacancy rates ney. He was a homeless gentleman who had his fair share actually gets even worse, especially in a riding like mine. of struggles — more than his fair share of struggles. But With the solutions that everybody was talking about…. every day he sat on the street and shared his kindness with Tis is part of the solution, I’m hoping — part. It’s only people who passed by, sometimes not even looking up but part. We’ve got many more to talk about, especially when just acknowledging every set of feet that passed by him we talk about the supply, and many more partnerships that with a “Have a nice day” or “Have a great day” or “Have pop up — partnerships with the private sector, partner- a wonderful day.” Mr. Beads is going to be missed in the ships with municipalities, partnerships with First Nations, town of Sidney. especially those First Nations that want to bring their own I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to speak to this revenues to the table and maybe look at a social enterprise bill. I’d like to acknowledge the Attorney General for his or even an investment enterprise. efective work in the past as a minister. I’m thankful that he [4:10 p.m.] is now holding the housing portfolio and responsible now Tere are more conversations to be had, because there’s for developing programs and policy to help what is a very a younger generation moving up that just doesn’t feel like challenging housing market. anything that’s been done in the last few years is actually Te housing market, as many British Columbians know, addressing what they want to do, and that’s just simply buy is red-hot. Te Real Estate Board of Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 419 says that the market is heating up so fast that “home sales talking…. Te language around housing in the political in the region doubled between January and February and sphere here, in the political landscape, is not about fnding have climbed by more than 70 percent since last year.” Te homes for people or creating homes for people. See, homes board revealed that February sales in B.C. totalled 3,727, a are about the stability of individuals in communities. It’s 73 percent increase from the 2,150 sales recorded the year about the safety of individuals in communities. It’s about before and a 56 percent spike from the 2,300 homes sold creating a safe and stable base for individuals to then be the month before. able to fully participate in their communities. In a rare move, the Victoria Real Estate Board said that I heard a CBC story recently on local CBC Victoria more work is required to make sure housing prices were about homeless residents here in Victoria who started a brought back down afer it says the provincial government podcast. What really struck me in that story were the com- had failed to improve the market conditions. “Demand- ments from the host of the podcast on how exhausting it suppression measures have not worked and their failure is to be homeless. Te lack of stability, the lack of safety, to moderate housing prices in our community has only the lack of security, always having to keep one eye on your exacerbated the pressure on the supply that was con- belongings because there’s no safe place to store them, strained ten years ago but is now at historically low levels” always trying to protect your space, must be absolutely — speaking to the desire to have more supply being exhausting — so exhausting that it becomes the entire brought into the market, as the member was speaking day’s work. Te entire day’s efort is to just protect your before me. space and just to protect your belongings. Tat speaks to [4:15 p.m.] the security and safety that a home creates. It’s not just the real estate market that’s hot. Te rental Yes, we can create units as government. But I think that market has also seen some changes over the last few years. once we shif our focus away from the conversation being We’ve seen vacancy rates increased in Metro Vancouver about a housing unit, or 114,000 housing units, and we and in Victoria, while in other markets like Vernon and start talking about what it means to help create a home for Nanaimo, the rental market is much, much tighter. somebody, now we’re moving in the right direction. We’ve seen, over the last number of years, policies that Te Rental Housing Task Force is one of the more pos- have been focused on supply and also policies that have itive experiences that I’ve had as an MLA, not because it been focused on demand. We saw the speculation and was easy work, but it was rewarding work. It was a joy vacancy tax that was to address the superheated real estate to work with the members from the West End and Cour- market. We’ve learned that, actually, addressing this mar- tenay-Comox to navigate these challenging issues and to ket and these challenges is going to take more than just put forward for government a series of recommendations tinkering around the edges. that the government has put their mind to, to putting into Ensuring that housing is more than just units tabulated legislation and starting to work on. Part of the reward, of by accountants and a measure of success or failure counted course, of that work is to see when government trusts the by politicians and bureaucrats, we have to focus on what I quality of that work and begins to start to legislate it. think the member for Stikine was talking about, meaning [4:20 p.m.] homes for people who live in our communities. I think I think that that is one the most positive aspects of the that this does. To get us out of a supply-and-demand kind job that I’ve had here as an MLA, and it’s a tribute to our of conversation about housing requires a systemic shif in now Minister of Finance for her foresight to be inclusive our approach. and her trust in me to add value to this work. I raise my I like the type of language around talking about “homes hands to the Minister of Finance for welcoming me into for people.” As a participant in the Rental Housing Task the Rental Housing Task Force. Force, we worked very hard to fnd the balance that the Unfortunately, I think, as the member previously stated, member for Skeena was talking about between the rights this debate has featured too much blame. Tere’s no doubt of landlords and tenants — the reality that every landlord that policies from the past have impacted the housing needs a tenant and every tenant needs a landlord. Tis is market and that this bill that we’re looking at today is a an incredibly important relationship that the Rental Hous- good bill. However, I encourage the Minister Responsible ing Task Force that I sat on with the member for Vancou- for Housing and the Attorney General to go further, to ver–West End and the member for Courtenay-Comox…. reach into his history as a housing advocate, past his We did that work together, and I participated in that work experience as a B.C. NDP politician, to make the systemic because I believed that the greatest value a house ofers changes that are needed. individuals in communities is exactly what the member for While this bill is making important changes to protect Stikine was talking about, and that’s as a “home.” renters from illegal renovictions, to provide some stability People say: “Well, this is obvious. You know, no doubt for residents of mobile home parks, capping rent increase that this is about homes.” But unfortunately, we refer so to provide more stability for renters and to increase the ofen, when we’re talking about housing…. We talk about capacity of the enforcements and penalties, these changes units — 114,000 units, 10,000 units, fve units. We’re not are important to protect homefulness for our residents — 420 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in the COVID-19 times but also in general, once we’ve blame the landlords. At this time, we as a community, passed COVID-19. as a society, as a diferent aspect of this world in British We all beneft from the greater stability that homes Columbia, we have to endure this pandemic together. provide our family, our friends and our neighbours. Why do we have this rent freeze only till the end of this However, while these changes have an impact for many year? It’s to ensure that we don’t end up having people British Columbians, the government needs to go further, running into homelessness issues. with comprehensive changes that are needed to ensure [4:25 p.m.] that British Columbians can beneft from the stability of We’re continuing to make life more afordable for every- a home. body. Yes, it is a difcult thing to agree upon; it’s a difcult I strongly encourage the minister and the cabinet to get thing we’re introducing. But this will allow renters and the housing hub project fnancing program back on track. tenants a chance to really be able to continue to survive Tis is an important program that supports the missing and strive through this pandemic — along with landlords, middle. Our housing programs need to be a full suite, from along with the rest of society — as we continuously try to housing solutions housing the homeless, to low-to-mod- overcome our challenges presented by the pandemic. erate income, to moderate- and middle-income homes. It Te pandemic has exposed our vulnerable population, needs to be a full and comprehensive program, not just and unfortunately, it exponentially demonstrates impact falling into the trap of focusing on a singular demographic on the most vulnerable. I’m so proud of this govern- within the full range. We need to be developing programs ment. We’re stepping together and continually saying: that are covering the full range. Tat’s why that fnancing “We’re here to bring fairness. We’re here to provide pro- program to fnance the capital builds of projects for the tection and support for the vulnerable population and missing middle is so important and why it must not be the rest of society.” abandoned at this point. I do want to emphasize one important aspect of this I’m thankful that this is the frst bill that we’re debating Bill 7, which is dear to my heart: the fact that a landlord today and that we’re debating in this part of the session. has to actually go to the residential tenancy branch to It’s a tribute to the collaborative work accomplished in the introduce the request for renovation. First of all, I want 42nd parliament that’s being fulflled now. It’s a tribute to to thank the member for Vancouver–West End for intro- the member from the West End, our Deputy Speaker, who ducing the term renoviction to help us understand the has always been a strong advocate for renters, and I look challenge of this. forward to supporting this legislation. In Richmond South Centre, I haven’t heard anybody With that, I’ll just stay in my seat and thank the Speaker talking about renoviction, but I hope people understand for the opportunity to speak on Bill 7. that is actually a concern. Richmond South Centre is HÍSW̱ ḴE SIÁM. Tank you. one of the densest in British Columbia, and one of the smallest. It has a high ethnic Chinese-Canadian popula- Deputy Speaker: Tank you very much, Member. tion. Te ethnic Chinese-Canadian population is part of I’ll recognize the member for Richmond South Centre. a community as well, itself. One thing we have learned is we have many, many of our members who don’t under- H. Yao: Tank you, Mr. Speaker, for this lovely oppor- stand their rights, don’t understand their privilege, don’t tunity to speak on Bill 7 at second reading. understand what kind of protection they have when I do want to take a moment to acknowledge that I am they’re facing a challenge. speaking to everybody from the traditional and unceded In the past, if a renoviction goes through, many of the territory of the Musqueam and Coast Salish people. I renters do not know who to turn to. Richmond South thank them for allowing us to live, work and play in their Centre is also one of the transient communities in British territory. Columbia. Many young families, many immigrant families I fully support Bill 7, and I do want to emphasize one and many seniors live here. I ofen encounter constituents important point: as so many members and my colleagues coming to my ofce, asking for help, because they don’t have emphasized, the reality of this bill is one of many, know where to turn. If we mention RTB, obviously an many future steps as we continuously fght for housing acronym, many of them have no idea what I’m talking afordability. about. Te residential tenancy branch does great work, but Why do I support Bill 7? I think one thing we’ve ofen a lot of society, especially the vulnerable population, ofen missed is that we’ve kept on talking about market or don’t know what they have to access to protect their rights. supply and demand without acknowledging that we are Now, Bill 7 is introduced at second reading. It requires in a COVID pandemic. Te beneft of this bill, which a landlord to bring a renovation request to the residential I love the most and frst about it, is that we’re putting tenancy branch if it requires a renter to be evicted in order in a rent freeze by extending it till the end of this year. for them to do a renovation. It gives both the tenant and We shouldn’t blame the renters, and we shouldn’t try to the landlord a meaningful and legitimate manner to exer- cise their right. Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 421

I’m a bit disappointed. Many of my colleagues in this branch also has a right to go back and deal with a poten- House have been saying that we are inappropriately point- tial error that’s clearly stated and re-evaluate it, instead of ing fngers at various populations, various sectors of soci- waiting for a party to come back, whether a landlord or a ety. Bill 7, to me, in my humble opinion, is a very fair bill. tenant. It’s designed to balance out the vulnerability of diferent I do want to talk about that, because again, we go back populations and to allow us to work together through this to Richmond South Centre and go back to the riding that I challenging time. represent. I thank them for allowing me to represent them. We do have a lot of new families who are young profes- [N. Letnick in the chair.] sionals. We have a lot of immigrant families, and some- times even some seniors who might not be as well-con- I also want to emphasize that an important issue is that nected as we would like on current policies. If my family they also addressed false claims, false assumptions. Te member is one of those individuals who lost a case with residential tenancy branch is dealing with diferent cases. the residential tenancy branch, and one of the residential One of the challenges we ofen have to understand is that tenancy branch arbitrators identifed an error and fxed it, if there are consequences associated with making false I would be deeply grateful. claims, they will be the ones who are better aware of their I can almost guarantee that in a similar scenario, my legal rights, who are better aware of how the system works, family probably wouldn’t even know their rights were able to utilize it for their full advantage. violated. Tis speaks to the NDP. Tis is our current gov- Now we’re returning everything back to dollars again, ernment. We are fghting for the vulnerable population, to allow people to have respect through the process, to and we’re putting dollars and fairness into the system. Tis respect fairness and to be able to work with good faith and is not about middle ground. As I think anyone with statist- good will. When we work together to build up stronger ics will know, median doesn’t represent average. It doesn’t housing afordability, then every population and every sec- represent mode. We have to understand that when the tor wins, and every sector is encouraged to interact and situation is skewed, government needs to come on with work at this challenge with honesty. strong actions to balance out the situation so that everyone Like I said, I cannot emphasize how much I appreciate in our society can either survive the pandemic or thrive this bill being introduced by our government. We have a and prosper together. rent freeze till 2021 and continued capping of rent accord- Te housing crisis has been building up in our society ing to the infation rate. Obviously, we want a landlord to for many, many years up to this point. I can emphasize have a healthy prospect opportunity through their invest- that. I also recently transitioned from a condo to a town- ment. But I think the previous member who spoke before house. Te challenge…. Te fact that I had to look at my me…. I also want to echo his comment. Tis is also their bill to buy the mortgage was shocking. It has been there for homes. Tis is about having a place to live, having a place a while. But I’m so glad our government continues looking to be able to say: “I can be here, and I can aford to set out at a problem, continues to dissect its complexity in depth my roots in this area.” to understand how we can work together with diferent [4:30 p.m.] community groups and put together a task force, which When this appropriate regulation, which unfortunately many members represent, to bring a diferent perspective, some members called bureaucracy…. It’s a reality of creat- to hear stakeholders’ views and to come out with a com- ing protection, to allow renters, to allow tenants, to be able prehensive strategy. to say: “I can continue maintaining my afordability so my We do not just go around pointing fngers at supply and kids can grow up in the same neighbourhood, so I can get say that supply is the only solution to this. Tat’s disap- to know my neighbours, so I can continue to build strong pointing. It tells me the lack of depth and understanding connections with a school, with a community centre and of the complexity of the problem. with local non-profts and with the local businesses.” I want to take a moment to acknowledge that our gov- We are trying to build a win-win situation, and yes, I ernment is working hard across the partisan line, working will call that a noble cause. Whether some of our members hard with all the stakeholders, because we need to have disagree on that, I call it a noble cause. Bill 7 is a piece of a a full understanding in order for us to protect the vul- multiple puzzle, part of our housing afordability. I’m glad nerable, to protect the average British Columbians and to our government has continued putting that forward. allow all communities to grow and thrive together. I also appreciate the fact that we are placing greater I just want to take a moment to thank you, Mr. Speaker, emphasis on a compliance enforcement unit. I think the for allowing me to speak, and I’ll rest my case at this point. more we learn to live in a society where there’s greater sta- bility, greater security, the more likely we are able to build A. Walker: It’s a pleasure to join this House virtually a society on trust and faith. from the traditional territory of the Pentlatch people, I do also emphasize another thing, which is part of Bill today known as the Qualicum First Nation. 7 that was being addressed. It’s that the residential tenancy I will be speaking in great support of the Tenancy Stat- 422 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 utes Amendment Act. I support the changes that Bill 7 will amenities that they have. Tey expect to have the same make to the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act and rules and the same protections that other tenants in our the Residential Tenancy Act. Tis bill is incredibly import- province have access to. ant for the people of Parksville-Qualicum. Tese changes in Bill 7 will help normalize and make I want to start with sharing a few stories of some of not only the tenants but also the landlords more aware the afected residents and people here that are going to be of the expectations that tenants in our province have and afected by the changes to the Manufactured Home Park should have moving forward. Tenancy Act. I heard early on afer the election from a It’s always an adjustment going from local government woman named Cathy. Her rent went up during the pan- to provincial government, and I very much enjoyed my demic, even though it wasn’t supposed to. time on council here in the town of Qualicum Beach, and [4:35 p.m.] I hear the other side as they speak specifcally to the need She’s currently renting a pad in a manufactured home to increase supply. park. She purchased it a couple of years ago, took all of I do agree that we do need to dramatically increase sup- her equity and put it into this home. Once the pandemic ply, and I’m proud of the accomplishments our govern- hit, her operator and her landlord realized that all of these ment has made in regards to supply. It’s really a collabor- people moving from the rest of the country to our com- ative approach we need to take with landlords, with ten- munity were willing to pay substantially higher rents. So ants, with local governments, with the provincial and the not only did the landlord pressure Cathy by threatening federal governments as we work together with the strategy incredibly high rent increases, but she was faced with to increase our housing supply but also protect the rights nearly daily changes to the park rules. Tese were acts of of those who are already homed, to make sure they have bullying and unnecessary pressure to try to get Cathy to the same consistent expectations, whether they have what vacate and to voluntarily leave her pad. have been described by my colleague here from Abbots- For the people who are purchasing and renting pads ford South as landlords of unfavourable light — whether in mobile home park communities, these are their that is the circumstance they have — or whether they have homes. Tey are living there for a sense of community exemplary landlords who, as that same member described, and comradeship with their neighbours, and they are would not increase the rent because of good tenants. there for the long term. Tey are expecting stability, and What we are seeking to do through these changes is no they are expecting to be able to live out their lives in diferent than any other legislative changes that we have. these homes. Some of them are fnancially more well of When we describe these unfavourable landlords, as the than others, but many of these people are struggling on member for Abbotsford South described, we are taking disability or on fxed pensions and are really, truly very examples that we hear from the people in our community close to homelessness. — the stories and the hardships that they’ve had — and We worked with Cathy, and we were able to hear her we’re fxing the circumstances that they’re in. concerns. It thrills me to see, in Bill 7, that protections [4:40 p.m.] will be in place to ensure that the pressure that her land- Tese rules are no diferent than establishing speed lim- lord was placing on her and the pressure that’s placed on its. If we were to describe a new speed limit or a new these individuals through these changed park rules will no building code…. We are not using unfavourable light to longer be taking place. Tis is incredibly benefcial for the describe drivers or unfavourable light to describe the people of my community and the people of this province. builders and crafsmen in our community. Another powerful story I heard was from a woman here We are, as a collective and as a province, defning what in Parksville. She was phoning on behalf of her sister, in we determine to be the minimum standard that is to be the same circumstance, with threats of dramatically expected by the people of our province. We put that in increased rent. Her sister was on disability. She delivered legislation, and we enforce it. I’m hoping to hear, through papers where she could. She was 64 years old, and she had the rest of this debate, that other members from the other no equity in the mobile home that she was in. So if she is side will see that these changes will create not only predict- evicted, she is on our streets, and she is no longer able to ability for tenants but also for the landlords. Tis has been stay safe in a space that is her own. a very balanced approach, as we look through the changes So I am incredibly impressed with these changes, and I that are taking place here. think that they will beneft the people of Parksville-Qualic- Te residential tenancy branch, when an error has um as well as many other people all throughout our been made, will be able to address these internally, as province. opposed to the former process of a judicial review. Tis It’s important, as we discuss these people in these is incredibly benefcial for tenants but also for landlords. mobile home parks, that we recognize that they are seek- When challenges and conficts come up, to be able to ing stability and that they are not second-class renters. address these in a timely and consistent way is of incred- Tese are people who, for whatever circumstance that ible beneft to the landlords as well as to the tenants. Te they’re in…. Many desire to be in these facilities for the balanced approach that we have here is going to ensure Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 423 that there is predictability for those who are renting, ple were being evicted for supposed renovations, only to whether they’re renting homes or whether they’re rent- fnd out later that a mere coat of paint was added to the ing pads in manufactured home parks. walls, which could have been done without evicting any- It’s fascinating listening to all of the diferent impacts one. that COVID-19 has had and all of the diferent functions Our government has made important improvements to that have taken place to try to address these circumstances. rental housing policies in B.C. that have saved renters I see this not only as a response to the challenges that we’ve money and better protected them and improved services seen with COVID-19 but, specifcally, tackling some of the that renters and landlords count on. We know that afer difculties that we’ve seen for many, many years in our so many years of the old government’s bad choices, renters province. are still hurting. We still have a long way to go, but we’re I’m proud to see the changes that we have taking place making progress, and we have to keep going. here. I think they will create a much more consistent Te opposition has opposed nearly every major action framework that will be much more easily enforced, and it we’ve taken to support renters. Tey would take us back- will increase the predictability for the tenants as well as the ward and make renters pay more. Our rent freeze and cap- landlords. Tis is a valuable thing as we look to increase ping rent increases to infation are saving renters hundreds the housing supply. of dollars a year. Now we’re freezing rents for all of 2021 I hear from the other side the challenges, that new rules and making our cap to infation permanent for all rent and red tape will interfere with the housing market. I dis- increases from 2022 and beyond. agree wholeheartedly with that. To have consistent rules, Why are we extending the rent freeze now? Well, the it ensures that the landlords that we have been describing, pandemic has placed extraordinary pressures on people, apparently, to the member for Abbotsford South in unfa- and we want to make life more afordable for British Col- vourable light…. Tese landlords are not helping the umbians during this challenging time. Our government people of our province. made a commitment to extend the rent freeze, and we’re What we need to do is to establish a baseline that all fulflling that promise. We will continue to monitor the landlords have an expectation that moving forward, they impacts from COVID-19 and do what it takes to support will work with us and with their tenants, their customers, people as we get through this together. to ensure that we all have, where possible, safe homes. What should renters do if they’ve already received a I appreciate the opportunity to speak for the frst time in notice of rent increase for 2021? Under this legislation, this House, and I fully support Bill 7 and the changes that there can be no rent increases in 2021, even if you’dalready are being proposed herein. received a notice. If renters have received a notice that was set to come into efect before the end of the year, they J. Rice: I’m happy to speak today to Bill 7, Tenancy Stat- should disregard the notice and continue paying their cur- utes Amendment Act, 2021. Tis legislation speaks to what rent amount. renters and landlords across the province have asked for. For example, if a renter received notice that rent was We listened, and we’re delivering on our promise to make to increase on August 1, 2021, they should continue to life better for everyone in British Columbia. pay their current rent amount. However, landlords can We know that COVID-19 continues to touch all aspects issue notices of rent increases on September 1, 2021, for of our lives and our economy. Even the slightest increase in increases that only take efect starting in 2022. Te rent rent could be extremely challenging for many renters right increase in this case must not exceed the rate of infation. now. So we’ve introduced legislative changes that would What happens if a renter has a rent increase worked give renters more security by extending the rent freeze to into their lease? Well, the rent freeze applies to all rent the end of this year, to December 31, 2021. increases, even if it’s worked into a lease. Renters can con- Currently in Prince Rupert, rents are comparable to tinue to pay their current amount for 2021. Te Resid- those in Vancouver, and the quality of many of these rent- ential Tenancy Act states that landlords can only increase als is poor, Prince Rupert having the oldest housing stock rent by the consumer price index rate once every 12 of any municipality in British Columbia. months and must give their renter three months’ notice. [4:45 p.m.] In 2018, the province closed the fxed-term-lease loop- In order to further protect tenants, landlords will be hole that allowed landlords to increase rent when a new required to apply to the residential tenancy branch before lease agreement was signed, which is ofen when rent they can evict tenants for renovations. Additional require- increases were written into lease agreements. We encour- ments are being added to make it clear that landlords can- age any renter with questions around the rent increases not end tenancies for renovations that are not extensive or or their lease agreement to contact the residential tenancy that do not require the rental unit to be vacant. branch. For example, if you’re gutting an apartment and taking What about the option to apply for additional rent out walls, etc., evicting a tenant makes sense, to do the increases when there needs to be large capital improve- repairs. But way too many times, we were seeing that peo- ments? Now, I can appreciate that this may be difcult for 424 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 landlords that were counting on rent increases to pay for apply under one application. Arbitrators will decide if the capital improvements. It’s in everyone’s interest for rent- application meets the criteria outlined in the Residential al housing to stay in good repair and remain in the rental Tenancy Act to determine if the tenancy needs to end. market for renters. We’re also fulflling this commitment. Will renters have any say in the process? Yes, renters Tis legislation expands our regulation-making authority will. Renters will have an opportunity to present evidence needed to implement this promise. More information on which could include information that they are willing to this will be available in coming months. accommodate the renovation without ending the tenancy. Tese are still very hard times for people, but we’re see- Te arbitrator will weigh that evidence and decide whether ing signs that our supports have helped. We were the only or not to allow the landlord to end a tenancy so they can major province to provide a temporary rent supplement renovate. If the application is approved, the tenant will be to help renters pay rent during COVID-19. While I know given four months notice before they move out. there are people still struggling, and there are many here Now, LandlordBC has expressed support for these in my hometown of Prince Rupert, new data shows that changes. We are not picking on landlords. We all know B.C. has the lowest rate of rent arrears in the country other there has to be a process for renovations so rental housing than Newfoundland. We’re going to keep working to sup- can stay in good repair and remain in the rental market port people, including through the B.C. recovery beneft. for renters. It’s in everyone’s interest for that to be done [4:50 p.m.] in good faith. Tis will allow legitimate renovations while Another question that has come to my ofce quite helping prevent illegal renovictions where some landlords frequently is: do people living in subsidized housing, like would use the excuse of slapping on a coat of paint to get B.C. Housing, qualify for the rent freeze? Now, rental fees rid of a tenant. for subsidized housing units are based on the tenant’s LandlordBC has expressed support, and we are working income. Under the Residential Tenancy Regulation, units with them to spread the word to their members. Te res- where rent is based on a tenant’s income are exempt from idential tenancy branch will have information available rent increase regulations as they are reassessed every year online, educate stakeholders and have a public outreach and fuctuate based on a tenant’s income. Te rent freeze plan on the new requirements in an efort to ensure land- doesn’t apply to people living in subsidized housing, as any lords comply to the changes for serving eviction notices changes in the rent are based on changes on the renter’s and so that renters know their rights when being served income and assets. eviction notices. Does the rent freeze apply to the amount for utilities and A notice that is issued without going through the applic- taxes that are passed through to homeowners in a man- ation process at the residential tenancy branch is not valid ufactured home park? Yes, it does. Manufactured home and contrary to the act. If a landlord is continuously issu- park landlords can normally increase the rent by the annu- ing notices without applying to the residential tenancy al allowable amount plus an additional amount to cover branch under the new requirements, the compliance and local government levies and regulated utility fees. Te pro- enforcement unit could investigate. portional amount, also known as an enhanced rent in- Around administrative penalties. What will changes to crease, is the change in local government levies plus the administrative penalties mean for landlords and tenants? change in regulated utility fees divided by the number of Tese amendments will allow the residential tenancy manufactured home sites in the park. Tis means that each branch to levy an administrative penalty against someone tenant of the park pays for part of the year’s increase in who gave false or misleading information in a dispute res- taxes and fees. Te rent freeze, now extended to the end of olution proceeding or investigation. 2021, also applies to this proportional amount. [4:55 p.m.] Many people want to know when these changes for ren- Currently the residential tenancy branch may ask for ovictions will come into efect. Well, they will come into documents from a person who is under investigation by efect July 1, 2021. We are currently setting up new pro- the compliance and enforcement unit. Tis amendment cesses and policies to be able to handle applications. In will expand the type of material the director can compel the meantime, the earlier changes our government made and will allow the RTB, the residential tenancy branch, to as initial steps to strengthen protection around reno- and compel records from someone who may hold important demovictions remain in place, which was to provide ten- information related to the investigation, like a contractor, ants more notice and increase compensation. but who is not under investigation. How exactly will these changes prevent renovictions? Hon. Speaker, I want to thank you for the time today to Well, the changes establish a new process to prevent land- speak to these changes that we’re proposing. Tese changes lords from evicting tenants for minor repairs. Landlords will help make life better for renters. Tat is something will be required to apply to the residential tenancy branch that we promised in our 2020 election platform, and we’re before issuing a notice to evict their tenants so that they continuing to do so. can renovate. Landlords who are trying to end tenancies with multiple tenants in the same building will have to Deputy Speaker: Tank you, hon. Member. Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 425

Te Chair recognizes the member for Maple Ridge– Tat’s one of 30 points that the ministry continues…. Mission. Now we have the new ministry of Attorney General and Housing, which is working on this fle and continues to B. D’Eith: Tank you very much, hon. Speaker. deal with issues. Of course, during COVID, these issues I’ll take the applause. Tank you. One person. have been compounded. I rise today in support of Bill 7. I also wanted to address another statistic that the mem- bers had brought up. In fact, we’ve got, under construction Interjection. or completed, 26,000 homes in 90 communities that are being built or underway. Tat includes…. B. D’Eith: Tere we go, the peanut gallery. Tanks, [5:00 p.m.] guys. In Maple Ridge, for example, we have low-income hous- I did want to say thank you to the Speaker, before I start, ing in partnership with community services. Every day I and to the Clerks for allowing me to be able to rise today in drive by, and I see it getting closer and closer to com- the House. Tis is, actually, the frst time I’ve been able to pletion. Tat’s going to have an amazing impact in Maple stand in the House since last summer. In fact, before that, Ridge. the last time was in 2019. Te same in Mission, working with MASH, the seni- To everyone in the House and to everyone who has par- ors society there in Mission. We are very close to com- ticipated on Zoom…. Normally, I’m there, and I’m very pletion on 70 units of new afordable seniors housing in happy to be here. I know many members will be very Mission. Tat was started during my last term, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to come back into very proud of that. In fact, the community is extremely the House and see people in person, whether that’s their pleased with that. friends in their caucus or the other side. Tis is an import- We’ve also worked very closely with B.C. Housing. One ant institution, and it’s important for all of us to be togeth- great example is a partnership in Mission with Lookout er and work together in making British Columbia a better which is completely full. It has been widely successful. It’s place. another example of the work that’s being done by this gov- I also wanted to apologize for the inconvenience it may ernment to tackle the housing crisis. cause you to see me on this side of the House. I appreciate Of course, Bill 7 continues that work that was started the fact that the election has gotten some of us on this in the last term. In fact, the member for Vancouver–West side. I apologize for the inconvenience to the opposition End…. Te reason that you’re all having to put up with me for that, but it can’t be helped. here is because of the member for Vancouver–West End, At any rate, today I wanted to rise in support of Bill 7. who actually talked me into running in the frst place, so I wanted to also express a few things in regards to some you can blame him. But you can also credit him for the comments that were made in regards to the housing plan incredible advocacy on the rental housing issue in Van- and actions that the government has taken over the last couver. It really is a profound issue. few years. Half a million people in British Columbia rent. It’s not When I was frst elected into this House…. Our govern- just a wacky time, like the previous leader said last term. ment inherited some real problems with housing. In fact, It’s not just a wacky time for people. It’s actually an import- immediately the former Minister of Housing launched a ant time in people’s lives. People rely on rentals for their comprehensive 30-point plan to address the housing crisis entire lives, many times, so it’s so, so important to ensure that we had in this province and still continue to experi- that we not only have rental stock but that the rental that ence. We’re taking many, many steps to address those. is there is available, consistent and afordable. In particular, the opposition seems to be stating a few Te Rental Housing Task Force had a number of recom- things that aren’t actually accurate in regards to rental mendations, some of which have already been addressed housing stock. In fact, there have been incredibly strong by the government. Tis is continuing that work. Bill 7 numbers in terms of purpose-built rental units being built continues the work. in this province. Just this year alone…. One of the things that Bill 7 is doing is extending the We’d actually built more rental units by July — that’s rent freeze to December 31, 2021. Now, if you remember, half a year — than the previous government did for their at the beginning of the pandemic, there were some real best year. In other words, this year we’ve already built more issues around…. If people got evicted during the pandem- than they did in their best year. According to their own ic, there was a public-health-risk aspect to that. We’re not numbers, it would probably take them 1,000 years to build talking about reinstating that, but part of it, too, were actu- the stock that they’re talking about. al rental increases and pushing people out. If people had We’ve also added 18,000 more condos to the rental stock to move out and became homeless, that actually became a with the speculation and vacancy tax. In fact, less than 1 public health issue. percent of the population of B.C. pays this tax, yet it’s had Tat is actually continuing. Given the fact that, really, a profound impact on the rental stock in this province. we’re still in the middle of this pandemic, that we still need 426 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 to ensure that rentals are afordable and that people stay David Hutniak, who’s the chief executive ofcer of at home, where they’re supposed to be, to keep safe in this LandlordBC, is also quoted. very challenging time, we are extending that rent freeze to “Te Rental Housing Task Force recommendations are a road December 31, 2021. Ten afer that, with this legislation, map for positive change. LandlordBC believes that encouraging there will be a cap on further rent increases to infation. continued investment to prolong or sustain the useful life of a rent- al unit or building is essential. We further believe that making Why that’s important is…. Te previous government the landlord proceed in this proposed manner, whereby legitimate allowed 2 percent plus infation which, at a certain point, cases where vacant possession is necessary and appropriate are ad- got up to 4.3 percent, which was higher than infation. judicated up front, will ensure work is undertaken in good faith, Tat type of percentage actually created quite a bit of grief thereby mitigating what has at times been an unnecessarily con- frontational process.” for tenants. Basically capping further increases afer the rent freeze will allow landlords to have that important Here, Members, is the balance. Te balance is that the increase in rent that is reasonable to cover infation and landlords are able to have a clear process to have their also make sure that tenants can aford rent. renovations that are needed. No one is saying that we don’t Another part of this bill is in regards to renovictions. want to see repairs. Obviously, we don’t want to see resid- To protect tenants, landlords will be required to apply to ences becoming dilapidated and being unsafe for tenants. the residential tenancy branch before they can terminate a But there has to be a reasonable way to do that, and this tenancy for the purpose of renovating. process will allow landlords, who have legitimate reasons [5:05 p.m.] for renovating, to do so in a clear manner. Let’s talk about that for a minute. As an MLA, one of the What it’ll actually do is it will free up the residential ten- key things that I’ve had to deal with in my riding is reno- ancy branch, because they won’t be dealing with all of the victions. It is absolutely heartbreaking, especially for seni- problems of tenants talking about renovictions and com- ors and people who are on low incomes, to be out on the ing to the residential tenancy branch about that. street because a landlord used a loophole to get them out Balance. Members talk about balance. Tat is a good of their space by basically saying: “We’re going to renovate. example of balance right there. You need to move out.” Let’s talk about a few of the other issues that are in this Now, what that did, of course, is put a huge amount of bill. We talked about the rent freeze. We’ve talked about pressure on the residential tenancy branch, because this a number of issues around the rent freeze. Tis is very was happening so ofen that tenants were having to apply important in terms of, as I said, around the pandemic. and apply and apply. It was causing a great amount of grief. One of the issues around the rent freeze is, let’s say, Tenants were ending up out on the street. large capital improvements. You know, it’s really in every- I had one woman who was actually a senior, who was one’s interests for rental housing to stay in good repair forced out, because of a renoviction, with her three cats. It’s and remain in the rental market. What happens here is very, very difcult for people to fnd housing with anim- that we’re expanding the regulatory-making authority for als — very difcult to fnd housing with animals. She was making those improvements when they need to be made. actually contacting us from her phone in her car. She was Tat’s very, very important. living in her car with her three cats, and did so for some [5:10 p.m.] time, because a landlord renovicted her. She was a senior. As far as other issues, it’s important to note, because of She was living on a fxed income. Tis is just one example, the details, of course, that the changes around renovictions of so many, when this happens. will come into efect in July — July 1, 2021. Tat’s to allow Of course, it’s about balance. Tis is something that time for new processes and policies to be put into place the opposition has brought up, about balance. Tis is not to ensure that there is adequate administration of the pro- about tenants versus landlords. In fact, both tenants and gram. Te changes preventing renovictions will actually landlords support this. create a more stable environment for landlords to work in. I have a couple of quotes. One is Andrew Sakamoto. He’s Te other part of this is in regards to manufactured executive director of the Tenant Resource and Advisory home park tenancies. Tere are a number of clarifca- Centre. tions here, which is important, because under the pres- ent rules…. Tere needed to be clarifying language with “Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre supports the decision to have landlords apply…before issuing an eviction notice for renova- the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act to ensure tions or repairs. It’s common for landlords to illegally renovict ten- that park rules, which can be changed easily by the park ants without the necessary permits required by law or for minor owner, don’t override existing tenancy agreements. Tis or cosmetic improvements that do not require vacant possession is really important, because what we’ve found is that by of a rental unit. Rather than forcing tenants to dispute these types of meritless eviction notices, we’re pleased that landlords will now just changing park rules, sometimes the park manage- have to go through an application process before issuing such no- ment are able to change the actual agreements for the tices in the frst place.” tenants. It’s about fairness. Now, this is important. It’s a process. Te other issue is that there are no current limits on how ofen park rules can be changed, which can lead to Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 427 frequent changes that actually unfairly target tenants. So ancy branch before they can evict tenants for renovations. the new regulatory authority will allow future changes to Tis is something that creates fairness and stability for limit the frequency park owners may change park rules. everyday people. Tese changes will come into regulation afer consultation Additional requirements are being added to make it with park and homeowner stakeholder groups over the clear that landlords cannot end tenancies for renovations coming months. that are not substantial or that do not require the rental I believe that this is the right direction. It’s part of an unit to be vacant. Tose renovations can still take place. ongoing efort on behalf of our government to make life Tere isn’t a prohibition lens here. To further protect ten- more afordable for our residents, to make sure that ten- ants, landlords will be required to apply to the tenancy ants can stay in their homes, especially during a pandemic, branch before they can evict these tenants for renovations. and that landlords, in fact, have a more clear way to make Our government has made important improvements to sure that they are able to get those renovations that they rental housing policies in B.C. that have saved renters need. money and better protected them and improved services Fair enough. Tere are good tenants. Tere are bad ten- that renters and landlords can count on. Tis is protecting ants. Tere are good landlords. Tere are bad landlords. both parties in the transaction. We know that afer so We all know that. Most tenants are great, and most land- many years of the old government’s bad choices, renters lords are great. And of course, on both sides, there are are still hurting. We still have a long way to go, but we’re issues. But what this does is create clarity. It creates bal- making progress, and we just have to keep going. It’s the ance. It’s good law, and I support it. right thing to do. Our rent freeze and capping rent increases to infation Deputy Speaker: Te Chair recognizes the member for are saving renters hundreds of dollars a year, and we’re Langley East. freezing rents for all of 2021 and making our cap to infation permanent for all rent increases from 2022 and M. Dykeman: Tank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing beyond. me and for providing me with this opportunity to speak in Te opposition, which once again has opposed all our support of Bill 7, the Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act. major actions to support renters and our capping rent Our government is committed to continuing to monitor increases to infation, now says — and it’s news to me — the impact of COVID-19 and to do what it takes to sup- that we have called landlords evil. I like to think that we port people as we get through this together. I’m so very don’t play games like that in Canada, but some days I’m proud to be part of a government that supports changes disappointed, especially listening to the diatribe. like this that help people like the people in my riding, I can tell you that the last thing that the parents of the the calls that we get from constituents that are concerned over 600 children in Langley who struggled and benefted about having a place to live. from the meals programs that the Langley school district Within the riding of Langley East, we have, unfortu- provided during COVID…. Te last thing they need is nately, been in contact with families that have their chil- unrestrained rent increases, which are being ofered by the dren sleeping in cars with them, elderly people who our opposition. In this province, no one should face a daily police have had to work with to liaison to provide housing, choice between keeping a roof over their head and feeding who are living in their cars. I had the opportunity to tour their children, yet that’s the legacy right now, if the oppos- the Travelodge that is in my riding and which has had ition were in government. to provide emergency housing during some of the coldest Although employment rates currently stand at 98.5 per- times for families that have struggled from not only the cent of pre-pandemic levels and income supports are in high rent increases but from the coupling of what COVID place, there are still people who are struggling and need has created with instability. When you take that and the the further support provided by this legislation, together high rents, it’s created a signifcant problem for people in with the recovery beneft and the federal income supports. my riding and throughout the province. Landlords afected by the provisions freezing rents until Tis pandemic has placed extraordinary pressures on December 31, 2021, may also be able to apply for the B.C. people, and Bill 7 will make life more afordable for British recovery beneft to help ofset some of these costs. Columbians during this challenging time. Even the slight- As has been said many times since early 2020, we are est increase in rent could be extremely challenging for all, indeed, in this together. Tat includes those who are many renters right now. well of and those who aren’t. It also includes landlords and [5:15 p.m.] their tenants, single moms struggling hard to feed their Our government made a commitment to extend the children and all of those who, due to a wide variety of cir- rent freeze, and we are fulflling that promise through Bill cumstances, fnd themselves homeless. 7, which gives renters more security by extending the rent I myself, as a single mother, could be homeless if I wasn’t freeze to December 31, 2021. To further protect tenants, as fortunate as I am to have the work and stability that landlords will be required to apply to the residential ten- I’ve been able to create. I know several single mothers in 428 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 my riding who are grateful for these measures being put very pleased to join you and speak in favour of Bill 7, the in place. As a mother of two children, I look around at the Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act. rent as it is right now and think that if I had to move, it Certainly, I know British Columbians have been waiting would be very challenging. for this act to address concerns in the rental housing mar- We are not all that fortunate. We are all in this together. ket. It comes out of a process of consultation, quite an Our government is and has been committed to looking at extensive consultation by the Rental Housing Task Force the needs of everyone and not just the select few, as would that got input from stakeholders right across the province be the result if members opposite occupied the govern- in terms of their experiences with rentals, from folks who ment side of the House. We’re trying to fx years of damage were renting and also folks who were owners as well — caused by a housing market which was allowed to essen- right across the board. tially become a casino. I’m very pleased that Bill 7 addresses these concerns and One of the things that ofen perplexed me is why, enacts a good number of the recommendations from the whenever there is a housing market issue, we are faced Rental Housing Task Force. Fundamentally, it addresses from the opposition with this resort to false dichotomies the grave concerns around preventing renovictions. We and straw-man arguments, such as: “If you bring these heard countless heartbreaking stories of seniors, individu- measures in, no one will rent their houses anymore.” als and families really being displaced from their homes. Choosing to do nothing when faced with a pandemic and Bill 7 addresses that. while in an economic housing bubble that is not sustain- As well, in terms of the context of COVID and the dif- able would create an untenable situation for our most vul- culties that families and individuals are under in these try- nerable. It’s not good enough. Te people of British Col- ing times, we’re extending the rent freeze to beneft ten- umbia quite rightly expect more. ants. Tese changes coming in through Bill 7 will build on [5:20 p.m.] our work to give British Columbians more security and, In my riding, which is one of the fastest-growing muni- in addition, will cap future rent increases to infation and cipalities in the province, I hear stories from families that take steps to stop illegal renovictions and make the dispute are just devastating. We have, as I mentioned earlier, eld- resolution process better for tenants and landlords. erly people living in cars. We have children in our schools I think that this bill, Bill 7, really strikes that balance that live in cars and are expected to go the next morning between tenants and landlords and addresses a number of and learn. concerns that were heard from the Rental Housing Task Te opposition has said that housing starts in B.C. Force. Certainly, to protect tenants, the process in place “slowed dramatically” in 2020 as supply diminishes. Hous- now, proposed under Bill 7, will require landlords to apply ing prices have increased across the province. Tat just is to the residential tenancy branch before they can termin- not true. Tose January housing starts remain 5 percent ate a tenancy agreement for the purpose of renovating. above the ten-year average, 31,811 from 2010 to 2019, 22 Certainly, we recognize the importance of capital percent above the old government’s 2001 to 2016 average. upgrades to rental properties, and that’s important not Unlike the old government, our policies are helping only for renters but for landlords as well. We want to build the kinds of homes British Columbians need. In ensure that there’s a fair process in place to ensure that 2020, we’d already registered more rental units for con- those necessary upgrades take place but that it’s not used struction by July than the old government ever did in an as a de facto excuse to displace tenants and increase the entire year. So 18,000 more condos are now being rented rent. out in Metro Vancouver instead of simply sitting empty [5:25 p.m.] thanks to the speculation and vacancy tax. We got over Tose changes are scheduled to come into efect on July 26,000 homes complete and underway in 90 communities, 1, 2020, and these will build on earlier protections intro- including 6,800 complete and 9,200 in active construction. duced in 2018. So certainly, this is a key priority with Our plan has B.C. on track for 42 percent more housing respect to protecting renters from renovictions. starts than the old government’s plan. Tat’s 58,000 more In addition, another key component that is much homes for people than the members opposite would’ve needed, that I hear from constituents in Vancouver-Kens- delivered. Bill 7 is a step in our plan to address the inequal- ington, is the need…. Tat’s why the province has taken ities of the most vulnerable in our community, having to the initiative to extend the rent freeze during COVID-19 choose between a meal or a secure place to sleep at night. and to freeze rents until the end of the year. Tat’s a sig- Tank you once again for the opportunity to speak. I nifcant step as well. We know that so many people we’ve will sit now. heard from in our communities are challenged by these high rents. I appreciate the eforts by the Rental Housing Deputy Speaker: Te Chair recognizes the member for Task Force, led and chaired by the MLA from the West Vancouver-Kensington. End, and moving forward on that. We know that in 2017, the allowable rent increase was M. Elmore: Tank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m as high as 4.3 percent, well above infation. Now it’s going Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 429 to be frozen through 2021 — I think that’s a good move that’s one mark and a real strength of the legislation. We — and going forward, capped to the rate of infation. Cer- know that these changes and recommendations in Bill 7, tainly, it’s reasonable to address afordability for renters. the measures, were brought forward from renters and Another key component that’s brought in that was iden- landlords across the province asking for these changes and tifed as a real gap, identifed by the Rental Housing Task — particularly in the context of COVID — taking into Force, was the importance of bringing in administrative consideration the need to expand the rate freeze. Tat’s just penalties. Now the scope is being expanded to enforce the unprecedented time we’re in. that. Te compliance and enforcement unit is able to implement and also provide that accountability for indi- [S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] viduals who give false or misleading information in a dis- pute resolution process or investigation. Tis is important Te aspect, as well, that I’ve heard from…. I think all because unless there are repercussions, there’s not really a MLA ofces get calls from both renters and landlords detriment to ensure that folks abide by the regulations. around being able to settle diferences, disputes, conficts. In addition, administrative measures to improve fair- Certainly, the improvements in the administrative meas- ness in the residential tenancy dispute process, which ures to be able to address these concerns is an improve- expands the grounds for the residential tenancy branch ment and will be appreciated right across the board. We to review arbitrator decisions. Also, clarifying language know that improvements in our rental housing policies in in the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act to address B.C. will save renters money, will ensure that they are bet- conficts that arise between arbitrary park rules and ten- ter protected. ancy agreements, to ensure that there’s a level playing feld Also, that has to go hand in hand…. As I referenced, Bill for individuals in manufactured home parks when con- 7 is a balanced bill that improves services for renters and ficts arise. Tese are some key provisions and real, key landlords — services that they both count on. I think that improvements in these areas. that’s an expectation, in terms of how all of us coordinate As well, we know that previous action was taken to and move forward in British Columbia. Tese changes — address the chronic housing crisis that our province fnds much needed, as my previous colleagues have articulated itself in, contributed to by 16 years of inaction by the — come on previous years of just bad choices by the old previous B.C. Liberal government. Key components are government, and renters are still hurting from that. building on closing the fxed-term-lease loophole, which Certainly, there’s much more that needs to be done, but allowed for really skyrocketing increases of rents in I think we’re making progress. We’re moving in the right between tenants. As well, eliminating the geographic rent direction. Tese are some concrete steps, and we need to hikes, bringing in the new compliance and enforcement continue down that path. I know I’ve listened to mem- unit to ensure that enforcement has some teeth and intro- bers of the opposition talk in opposition, and I know that ducing initial steps to strengthen protection for renters. they’ve been opposed to pretty much every major action Tose were laying that groundwork. Bill 7 is continuing that our government has taken to support renters and to to address the recommendations and really strengthen the ensure that homes and rent are afordable for British Col- protections for renters, certainly much needed. We know umbians. that renters, in the continuum of housing availability in I’m very pleased with Bill 7. I’m in support of these British Columbia — not only in Metro Vancouver, but changes. Certainly, they’re much needed, and they’re right across the province — are important. Additional informed by broad-based consultations. Tere are big measures that were brought in, particularly with the spec- challenges ahead. Tis is not going to solve all of the prob- ulation and vacancy tax…. We saw the addition of 18,000 lems around housing afordability and challenges for condo units, it’s estimated, that were previously sitting renters, but it’s a signifcant step. We know as well that empty, now vacant and available stock for rent. the B.C. landlords have said that they support these initi- Our government, the B.C. NDP government, brought in atives, and we appreciate that. Tey’ve been an important a comprehensive 30-point housing plan to really address part of the process, going forward, to ensure that their per- housing supply for the fundamental principle that homes spective is also heard and that services really refect the should be for people and not solely an investment to make needs of renters and landlords. It was LandlordBC that has proft. expressed support for these changes, and we look forward Looking at the continuum, with respect to the avail- to continuing to work with all stakeholders. ability of rental units…. Tat’s a key component. Bill 7 Tere’s more work to be done. We need to continue our looks at really strengthening protections, flling the gaps conversation with renters. Certainly, it’s a steady stream and ensuring that there’s balance with respect to renters’ of cases and stories that I hear in my ofce. Tere’s more rights and the rights for landlords. work that needs to be done to address the crisis in housing [5:30 p.m.] afordability, to ensure that people have access to housing. Certainly, it’s based on consultation across the province Certainly in Vancouver-Kensington, I’m very pleased at and input, really, from a broad base of stakeholders. I think initiatives and commitments to build supportive housing 430 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 as well, to ensure that supports are available for folks to that’s a commitment from our government to ensure have them housed, to have them homed. that for all legislative bills that come forward, there’s We have many more challenges. We need to also look adequate consultation. at…. Te government is developing plans around a com- Consultation was undertaken with the treaty First plex model of support, to ensure that folks having a Nations. As well, First Nations were consulted by enga- home…. Ofen that’s the frst step, but they need to have ging with the First Nations Leadership Council. A num- adequate supports in place as well, to ensure that their ber of Indigenous organizations were also invited to needs are addressed and that they’re supported adequately. attend the meetings, including really important organiz- Tese are some key priorities of the continuing work that ations — the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship needs to be done. Bill 7 is a positive step in this direction. Centres, the Aboriginal Housing Management Associ- [5:35 p.m.] ation, Métis Nation B.C. Tey were all asked in terms I’d also like to highlight the balanced consideration of of being engaged in the process, so that’s a key commit- Bill 7, in expanding the review grounds and improving ment, as well, going forward. procedural fairness — this is an important component — I know we’re coming close here to the end. I know that and really enabling the residential tenancy branch to play there are others following me who want to make some a proactive role, being able to review more decisions. remarks, so I will end my remarks there. Tank you for Certainly, our previous government was supporting, the opportunity. with additional resources, the residential tenancy I’m pleased to speak in favour of Bill 7, the Tenancy branch to be able to provide adequate services. Tat’s an Statutes Amendment Act, really taking a positive step to important component. Tey will have a key role to play ensure afordability for renters, to put an end to unfair ren- moving forward. We are looking to also look at how we ovictions and really bring in procedural fairness for both can continue to improve procedural fairness. Tese are renters and landlords. important components. We know that, as well, it was identifed in the review K. Paddon: I’m happy to rise today to speak in support that there is a need to bring in administrative penalties for of Bill 7, and I am honoured to do so, even so late in the both landlords and tenants in the event that agreements day, as I can comment now on the thoughts that occurred were violated. Tat’s an important deterrent to ensure that to me as my colleagues were speaking. amendments allow the residential tenancy branch to levy [5:40 p.m.] administrative penalties against someone who gave either We know that many people who rent in our communit- false or misleading information in a dispute resolution ies are struggling. Tis is not new. It’s not reserved for proceeding or investigation. Tat’s important — and also the situation in which we fnd ourselves with the pandem- enabling the residential tenancy branch to act to request ic. Tis existed before then, and unfortunately, this is one documents from a person who’s under investigation by the step but will not be a complete solution to everything that compliance and enforcement unit. housing vulnerability brings. Tese are components that have really strengthened the Here in Chilliwack-Kent and throughout the Fraser Val- administrative process, the investigative process and really ley and across the entire province, we all hear stories about put in place administrative penalties to send a clear mes- the difcult decisions and choices that people are forced sage right across the board to renters and landlords that to make. As costs increase, as the cost of living increases there are repercussions for making violations. Tat’s and now the impacts of the pandemic…. Just this morning important. I rose to speak about a program that provides hygiene We know, as well, that there are more recommend- products, because that’s a choice that some renters have to ations. Bill 7 addresses a number of recommendations make — choosing between things that we need and mater- that came forward from the Rental Housing Task Force. ials and supplies that we need. Some of my colleagues have I referenced earlier in my comments that not all of the mentioned choosing between food and rent or a car — recommendations were covered but a good number of transportation — and rent. them. Tat’s with a nod towards this being a positive step Tese are the difcult decisions that real people are with Bill 7. forced to make every day. Te pandemic has placed More needs to be done, but certainly, it’s a key step in extraordinary pressure on people. We are committed to terms of addressing and ensuring that we have afordable making life more afordable for British Columbians during housing for renters and that there are fair procedures in this time. We’ll continue to work towards that goal as we place to settle disputes and, really, to put an end to renov- monitor and move through the COVID-19 situation. ictions, which have just been terribly unfair. One of the things that really strikes me in listening to I want to close and just reference, as well, that the people speak today — their thoughts on this bill — is legislation is in line with the Declaration on the Rights that there was a lot of discussion of unfairness, of a lack of Indigenous Peoples Act. Tere was consultation with of balance, of painting everyone with a single brush. One Indigenous communities. Tat’s key. Going forward, word kept repeating. It was about villainizing landlords. Tuesday, March 2, 2021 British Columbia Debates 431

I’ve read the bill and re-read it and even checked it again between safety and home. Tis is a very, very serious situ- today, afer hearing it so many times. Tis story, to me, ation, and there is nothing fair about it. doesn’t seem to have a villain. One of the reasons that this bill is so positive, in my What, to me, is happening is that there’s surety that mind, is that it creates certainty. It allows people to plan. processes are followed in a way that improves and pro- I hear from seniors in our community as well. A lot motes the spirit of the relationship between renters and of them are talking about knowing what to expect with landlords. Tere’s certainty so that everyone knows what so much uncertainty right now. Te ability for us to be to expect. As was mentioned by somebody else, you need clear, the ability for our province to support people in both parties for this to work. You need both the landlord planning for their future and knowing what to expect, and the renter. If a renter can’t aford to stay, then the land- whether it be seniors or persons with disabilities or oth- lord doesn’t have a tenant. er people who are living on fxed incomes or incomes Now, I live in Chilliwack-Kent. I live in the Fraser Val- that have been limited through the conditions of the ley. Tere’s always another renter. Unfortunately, that has pandemic…. Tis bill will not only help now but into coloured some of the relationships. But overall, we have the future. For me, it is one of the reasons why I feel so great landlords and we have great tenants. Where there’s strongly about supporting this bill. certainty, both parties can rely on that. I believe that this As I mentioned before, the clarity and the surety and goes a long way to ensuring that that’s a possibility. the clear information that this bill ofers in supporting the Renters and landlords across the province asked for relationships between tenants and landlords is the reason these changes. We’ve listened, and we’re delivering on the that I will be supporting this bill. It will be the reason that promise we made to British Columbians. Based on con- I expect many other people should, based on their com- sultation and feedback from both landlords and tenants, ments earlier today. this bill builds on the province’s work to give British Col- Tank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak umbians more security by extending the rent freeze. Te today on this bill. I am looking forward to seeing what changes also cap future rent increases to infation, stop comes next. As my friends have mentioned, this addresses illegal renovictions and make the dispute resolution pro- many of the recommendations and some of the intersec- cess better for tenants and landlords. tional concerns. But this is a much bigger issue, and I am What there is certainly not, as far as I could see, was so very proud to be part of a government that will be tack- anything that painted all landlords. Tis is not a situation ling this in order to keep British Columbians safe and the where all landlords are being described as trying to breach people of Chilliwack-Kent with options and opportunities the rules. Tere’s certainty here that everyone knows what as we move forward on this together. to expect. Tis is not actually going to impact the good landlords. But for both tenants and landlords who would Deputy Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible seek to exploit or breach the relationship…. Tere’s defn- for Housing to close debate. itely a way forward. Many of the comments from across the aisle have Hon. D. Eby: Tank you very much, hon. Speaker. focused on the opinion of a lack of fairness or selective Tank you to the member for Chilliwack-Kent for her fairness or not any balance. A lot of this was mentioned as comments this afernoon on the bill. A wonderful speech though we continue to exist in a pre-COVID world. Tis in support of the bill. morning in the House, there were questions about fair- I just wanted to note before closing debate that my ness, about taking care of people, about clear information, counterpart the critic for Housing had some questions about knowing what to expect as we move through this about housing starts. B.C.’s January 2021 housing starts, in pandemic together. the middle of the pandemic, were 33,488. Tat’s 5 percent [5:45 p.m.] above the ten-year average, 22 percent above the old gov- I would expect that all members would support his bill, ernment’s 2001 to 2016 average and 21 percent above the as this legislation creates that certainty, creates predictabil- old government’s budget predictions for 2020. ity, creates fairness based on the feedback of those impacts. I’ll also note that in 2020, we’d already registered more It has clear process and clear expectations, clear informa- rental housing units for construction by July of 2020 than tion informed by British Columbians that creates balance, the old government ever did in an entire year. It’s 5,409, stability and access. July 2020, year to date. Te old government record was I know that this past week I had the opportunity to tour 5,173, which they set in 2016, so I can assure him that we a transition centre here in Chilliwack-Kent. One of the are on top of supply. But in addition to supply, we need to stories that I heard was about the fact that people can’t take make sure that both tenants and landlords are protected, another increase. Tere are choices being made by people which is what these amendments are about. in our constituencies, not only mine, between their safety With that, I move second reading. and homelessness. So the choice to stay…. Te options that are available have become so limited that the choice is Deputy Speaker: Division has been called. Pursuant to 432 British Columbia Debates Tuesday, March 2, 2021 division orders, sessional orders, the division will be held Mr. Speaker: We’ll start the process in fve minutes, at at six o’clock. For this moment, I’d like to move a short 6:15. recess. We will resume at six o’clock. [6:15 p.m. - 6:20 p.m.] Tank you, Members. We will now proceed with the deferred division. Te question is second reading of Bill 7, Tenancy Statutes Te House recessed from 5:50 p.m. to 6 p.m. Amendment Act, 2021.

[S. Chandra Herbert in the chair.] Second reading of Bill 7 approved unanimously on a division. [See Votes and Proceedings.] Deputy Speaker: Tank you, Members. Members, please. If I could get this House back into order, only to Hon. D. Eby: I move that the bill be committed to a shut it down again. Committee of the Whole House to be considered at the Pursuant to the sessional order regulating the hybrid next sitting of the House afer today. proceedings of the House, we will need to recess. First, I have to ring the bells so that everybody is following tra- Bill 7, Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, read a second dition. Tey will ring three times, and then we will recess time and referred to a Committee of the Whole House for until 6:10 p.m., when we can start the voting process. It’s all consideration at the next sitting of the House afer today. to do with ensuring that everybody is counted appropri- ately on the screens and so that proper record-taking can Hon. M. Farnworth moved adjournment of the House. take place. Te third ringing of the bells has tolled. Now we will go Motion approved. on recess until 6:10 p.m., when the voting will take place. We are in recess until 6:10 p.m. Mr. Speaker: Tis House stands adjourned until 1:30 Tank you, Members. tomorrow afernoon.

Te House recessed from 6:01 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. Te House adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

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