Policy Search

The recently passed Bill 35 (October 26, 2023) of the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act in British Columbia marks a significant shift aimed at freeing up accommodation to mitigate the housing crisis in BC. The legislation goes into effect May 1, 2024. Switching housing stock from short-term rental to long-term rental and/or purchase by prospective homebuyers to use as a permanent residence is...

Inflation has been relatively sticky for the last year. As a result, the Bank of Canada has elected to raise interest rates. Interest rate increases have impacted many people and will continue to do so. Interest rate increases have resulted in unaffordable mortgages for businesses and homeowners. These high rates also put pressure on the economy, resulting in business closures. The Federal...

In 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. The government indicated they heard from 30,000 Canadians in the consultation process; however, the impact these programs will have on taxes and debt remains to be seen or understood. Many questions were not answered, such as: What’s realistic? How feasible are the Plan’s projected 2030 outcomes? What are...

Abandoned boats are a growing problem and have economic, social, and environmental impacts on local communities across Canada. They can pollute the marine environment, harm local businesses such as tourism and fisheries, damage infrastructure, interfere with navigation, and pose safety risks to Canadians. A proactive and coordinated approach is required, in cooperation with First Nations and local...

According to the province of BC, it will need to fill more than one million job openings over the next ten years. 80% of these jobs will require workers to have some post-secondary education and training. To date, post-secondary seats have not kept up with population growth in several communities across BC, including the Fraser Valley. This leaves regions ill-equipped to produce the skilled...

The pressing social challenges of homelessness, opioid addiction, and mental health crises in British Columbia have demanded swift action from government and service agencies. However, the response has inadvertently led to negative community repercussions, stemming from the inadequate operations of certain street-level services. These issues have exacerbated the stigmatization of the displaced...

An intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) is a lifelong condition that affects an individual’s growth and development. Neurodiversity is a commonly accepted term used to describe someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other cognitive processing challenges. Individuals with IDD or neurodiversity are underrepresented in today’s labour market, leaving them more vulnerable to...

The fitness and exercise industry was severely negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. Years later, amidst rising health concerns and escalating costs of living, there's a pressing need for policies that promote public health as well as economic and business success. Allowing Canadians to claim fitness memberships as an eligible medical expense on their tax returns...

The recent Federal Government cap on international student visas and subsequent implementation by the Provincial Government pose challenges to the economic contributions of these students, impacting local communities, businesses, and both public and private post-secondary educational institutions. The lack of consultation with private institutions exacerbates the negative repercussions and...

The BC Government’s new Lobbyists Transparency Act (2020) (LTA) has placed a considerable burden on the not-for-profit sector and smaller organizations, including Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade. In addition, this legislation undermines the democratic process that enables organizations to advocate to government. It significantly constrains communications and collaboration with the...