British Columbia Premier David Eby’s NDP government is gearing up for an election this fall, and the political agenda will be outlined in a throne speech set for delivery on Feb. 20 to begin the spring legislative session. This speech will elucidate the government’s goals for the year, poised right before the provincial budget on Feb. 22 and the upcoming election. Both the Ministry of Finance and private financial experts have projected that the province will undergo sluggish economic growth this year.
Premier David Eby has indicated that approximately 20 new pieces of legislation are anticipated to be tabled by the government, along with a budget that aims to assist families grappling with the high cost of living. With the housing file expected to be a major focus this spring, the government will build on the legislation passed last fall to constrain short-term rentals and develop more housing around public transit areas. On the other hand, BC United Leader Kevin Falcon has promised to introduce housing initiatives to help first-time homebuyers raise down payments and eliminate the property transfer tax for buyers of homes under $1 million if elected.