The British Columbia Short-Term Rental & Accommodations Act went into effect May 1, 2024, requiring short term rentals (STR) be within a homeowner’s principal residence, secondary suite, or accessory dwelling unit.
Municipalities and regional districts scrambled to apply legislation, with cascading multi-faceted impacts economically. Balancing regulation and reducing detrimental effects is a challenge.
This policy calls for balance, transition time, exemptions, and nuances in provincial legislation:
- Student Housing
- Legacy Clause for financial hardship
- Sunset Clause with thresholds for new builds
- Exemptions for resort & tourism-primary
- Review of the Residential Tenancy Act
Read the policy recommendation.
Reliable provincial emergency response to major events like floods and wildfires is vital to our residents and economic health.
Labour issues, deployment restraints on first responders, and funding shortfalls add pressure to effective provision of emergency services for communities and businesses.
This policy recommends the province:
- Mandate funding to manage demands
- Continue and expand the Premier’s Expert Task Force
- Develop a plan to promote local involvement
Read the policy recommendation.
The degradation of our natural assets (amplified by climate change) plays a part in our economic stability. Our forests, green spaces, and wetlands have a dollar value in growing Canadian business.
Adopting accounting standards that recognize these changes elevates our natural resources to a position of core importance in business models.
This policy recommends the province:
- Establish guidelines and standards to value our natural assets
- Include and represent natural assets in financial documents
- Establish accountabilities and oblige ministerial collaboration
Read the policy recommendation.
Since the province legislated the Speculation & Vacancy Tax in December 2018, we have advocated that it’s unfair, poorly thought out, and has not delivered timely public reporting on dollar values.
If BC government demands the tax enables affordable housing, it needs to be applied fairly. The list of municipalities increases each year, without clear and fair criteria.
This policy recommends the province:
- Remove listing specific cities
- Establish and apply clear criteria, with reporting
- Hold yearly consultations & reporting, as promised
- Treat all Canadians equally
Read the policy recommendation.
Despite federal MPs supporting more than one bill1 2 in the House of Commons, there has been little change in legislation to lift interprovincial trade barriers.
Trade between provinces has a dollar value approximately 15 times greater than internationally. For consumers, provincial barriers add up to 14.5% to the price of goods and services.
This policy recommends the province:
- Work with all governments to remove barriers
- Lead the charge to incent growth in our domestic businesses
Read the policy recommendation.
Invasive mussels (Zebra and Quagga) have been detected in the United States Columbia River Basin. These mussels affect hydroelectric power, fishing, and tourism, causing irreversible damage.
By the time of detection, an infestation has already occurred. Once established in BC’s fresh waters, invasive mussels will cause serious economic devastation.
This policy recommends the province:
- Issue a temporary moratorium on out-of-province watercraft
- Elevate “Pull the Plug” (on bilgewater) regulation
- Ask that Canada inspect watercraft at border crossings
- Restore $4M annual funding to Invasive Mussel Defence Program
- Collaborate with local and Indigenous governments
Read the policy recommendation.
