I don’t need to tell you how important housing is in Vancouver Centre. Whether it’s affordable rentals, co-ops, or buying a home, things are tough in Vancouver.
The federal government is committed to changing that. We are working with provinces and municipalities to do so. It’s not an easy task, but working together to improve zoning rules and build near transit, will help the rapid development of affordable new housing. We will continue to work on ways to make life more affordable for Canadians.
Housing
Both Vancouver and the Province are eager to work with the government to make housing more affordable. Here are some of the tools that we have:
BC Builds Program
The federal government announced $2 Billion to match BC’s funding to the BC Builds Program. BC is now able to build rentals and housing on underutilized land, starting with co-op development in Yaletown. This makes $4 Billion dedicated to affordable BC housing.
Co-op Housing
Co-ops provide quality long- term affordable housing for Canadians. In November, the Fall Economic Statement announced the removal of GST for developers and $1 billion over three years to build 7,000 non profit, co-op, and public housing. This is in addition to $309 million from the 2022 Co-operative Housing Development Program.
Expanding the Apartment Construction Loan Program
End of January we announced that the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) now includes student residencies! By opening more dedicated, affordable housing for students, close to universities, we can free up community based housing. This is part of a $15 Billion federal investment in new low-cost loans to encourage the construction of rentals.
GST Rental Rebate
We announced a GST rebate on the construction of new purpose-built rental housing. We increased the rebate from 36% to 100%. Removing thresholds by the fed government will be a catalyst for the construction of new affordable rentals for Canadians.
Canada’s Temporary Cap on International Student Intake
As of January 22, 2024 there is a temporary cap on new study permits. International students are vital to Canada, but too many of them are currently vulnerable to sham institutions that threaten Canada’s credibility globally. Providing credentials for institutions is under provincial control.
For 2024, the cap will allow 360,000 new study permits, a 35% reduction from 2023. Provinces will receive an allocation of permits that they will be responsible for distributing among designated learning institutions (DLIs) which they regulate.
To implement the cap, from now on, every study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require a confirmation, (sometimes called attestation) letter from the province. The federal government will be working with the provinces to implement these measures by March 31, 2024.
Our government is determined to restore the integrity of the program and ensure that international students have bona-fide degrees or certificates.
Who is excluded from the cap?
- those in K-12 education facilities
- dependents accompanying foreign nationals on work permits
- those pursuing master’s degrees and PhDs
- current study permit holders and study permit renewals
Post Graduation Work Permit Program
The eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program has also changed. In September, graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will be issued 3-year PGWPs to give them time to gain work experience and transition to permanent residence.
By September, PGWPs will no longer be issued for students who begin studies in curriculum licensing arrangements.
Work permits will also no longer be issued to spouses of international students, except those in master’s and doctoral programs. We hope to exempt those pursuing professional programs
Dental Health
Dental health is essential to overall physical health. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is available to seniors who do not have access to dental insurance. The program is currently available to Seniors aged 72 and up. It expands opening in March to 70 year olds and in May to 65+ and to children, under 18, in June.
When eligible, you will receive a letter in Dental Health the mail on how to apply over the phone.
Update: Seniors 65 years and older, children 18 years and younger, as well as adults 18 years and older with a valid disability tax credit, are all eligible to apply to the Canadian Dental Care Plan as of June 27, 2024. You can apply online at: Canadian Dental Care Plan – Apply – Canada.ca
You can view the February constituency mailer here.
