News & Insights

B.C. needs a #TaxShift, and most people agree on that. But from there, the debate tends to get a bit muddied, and tensions often flare. But why? Our proposal will benefit the vast majority of British Columbians, and make life more affordable for young and old alike. Here are some frequently asked questions that might help clear the air.

On June 5, Vancouver City Council voted unanimously in favour of passing two purpose-built rental projects that will provide 61 secure rental homes for local residents at 855 Kingsway and 4459 Rupert St. This is a big win for Vancouver renters — who make up 53 per cent of households — and Gen Squeeze supporters, who rapidly responded to the opportunity to act.

The B.C. government has strengthened the Foreign Buyers Tax by raising it from 15 to 20 per cent, and by expanding it to Greater Victoria, the Fraser Valley, the Central Okanagan, and the Nanaimo area — something we've been calling for since early 2017!

We achieved an important victory this week by getting young adults added to the list of vulnerable groups in Canada's new National Housing Strategy ("NHS"). A big thanks to volunteer and Gen Squeeze advisor N.K. Singh and to Vancouver Quadra MP Joyce Murray for helping lock in this small change, which has the potential to make a big difference for young people!

On Nov. 23 and after more than a year of consultations — including with Gen Squeeze — the City of Vancouver released its 10-year Housing Vancouver Strategy. After reading the 80+ pages we knew right away it was one of the strongest municipal housing strategies we had ever seen, and needed to be passed.

After mounting pressure from a wide variety of housing advocates, the Fairbnb coalition, and concerned citizens like YOU, Vancouver city council has approved new regulations for short-term rentals, allowing them in principal residences of both owners and renters.

174 Gen Squeezers from all across B.C. wrote to their Mayors, Councillors and Directors asking them to vote in favour of all three resolutions, supported by detailed rationale. Great work everyone!

On April 20, the Government of Ontario released its new Fair Housing Plan, a comprehensive document recognizing #CodeRed concerns that the economy fails younger generations so long as skyrocketing home prices leave our earnings behind.

Over the past week the Ontario government made big moves to close the arbitrary and outdated post-1991 rental loophole that permitted limitless rent increases for many tenants. This is a huge win for renters who deserve affordable and predictable rent!