Lobbying Activity Report

3255-4299

Organization: Vancouver Island Real Estate Board
Associated registration: 6401-3255-5
Lobbying Activity date: 2020-12-07
Arranged a meeting: No
Posted date: 2021-05-28

In-house lobbyists who participated in the lobbying activity: Bill Benoit
Darrell Paysen
Senior Public Office Holders who were lobbied in this activity: Michele Babchuk, MLA
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Sonia Furstenau, MLA
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Douglas Routley, MLA
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly

Adam Walker, MLA
Member(s) of the BC Legislative Assembly
 
Subject Matter of the Lobbying Activity
Specific Topics of Lobbying Communications Intended Outcomes Associated Subject Matters
Address the high cost of strata insurance– Over the past year, strata insurance rates have increased drastically throughout many areas of BC, impacting about one in three British Columbians. As the financial and insurance regulator, the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) is examining the issue. As we wait for that report, we recommend interim actions, including developing mandatory education for strata council members. Footnote1
  • Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly
 Housing Footnote1
Balance consumer protection and licensee professionalism – Currently, there are two real estate regulators in BC. To create a more efficient system, a process is underway to create a single regulator by integrating them into the BCFSA, with legislative amendments expected in spring 2021. An effective regulatory system provides significant opportunities for professionals to provide input; therefore, we recommend the creation of a Professional Standing Committee to establish licensing qualifications and provide practical insights into all proposed changes to real estate practice. Footnote1
  • Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly
 Industry Footnote1
Develop smart anti-money laundering initiatives – The Cullen Commission of Inquiry is underway, with hearings on the real estate sector taking place in early 2021. BCREA is a commission participant and will testify to provide ongoing transparency and assistance to the inquiry. We expect the provincial government to increase collaboration with the federal government to develop smart, comprehensive approaches to tackle money laundering in BC. Footnote1
  • Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly
 Gaming and Lotteries Footnote1
Encourage energy retrofits – To address climate change, we look to the provincial government to provide long-term, widespread investment in financial incentives to help commercial and residential property owners voluntarily retrofit existing buildings. Footnote1
  • Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly
 Conservation Footnote1
Improve housing supply and affordability – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BC families need access to affordable homes that can suit their rapidly changing needs now more than ever. We call on MLAs to encourage local governments to speed up approvals processes and allow a wider diversity of housing options. Footnote1
  • Development of any legislative proposal by the government of British Columbia, a Provincial entity or a member of the Legislative Assembly
 Housing Footnote1
 
Senior officer who filed this Lobbying Activity Report: Bill Benoit
 
The above name is that of the most senior paid officer who is responsible for filing a Lobbying Activity Report for the organization (the Designated Filer), whether that person participated in this lobbying activity or not.
 
  1. Footnote1  Indicates new information that was added through a Lobbying Activity Report.
Date Modified: