CHBA BC and CHBA FV Discuss Industry Challenges with Opposition MLAs

CHBA BC, alongside CHBA FV members Steve Atsma and Ken Friesen, met with several Conservative MLAs in Abbotsford, including Reann Gasper, Korky Neufeld, Heather Maahs, and Opposition Whip Bruce Banman.

We had a productive discussion on key industry concerns, including challenges related to the Agricultural Land Reserve, current cost pressures on the building sector, and the need to streamline and reduce regulatory barriers. CHBA BC will continue to engage with all parties to advocate for policies that support the industry in the delivery of housing.

Letter to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs on Cost of Delivery Challenges

On February 3, CHBA BC submitted a letter to the Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister, Ravi Kahlon, outlining the current cost of delivery challenges. The letter highlighted industry concerns that the current policy and regulatory frameworks in place would not support the number of homes required to meet housing needs across the province.

Key policy recommendations included reconsideration of two upcoming/recent changes:

BC Building Code Changes on Adaptable Dwellings and Seismic Design (effective March 10, 2025); and
Metro Vancouver Development Cost Charge Increases (effective January 1, 2025).

Threat of US Tariffs and BC’s Response

The recent escalation of US tariffs and Canadian countermeasures has raised concerns across the country, with significant implications for the residential construction sector:

February 1, 2025 - President Trump signed an executive order to impose 25% tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods (effective February 4, 2025).
February 2, 2025 - In response, Prime Minister Trudeau introduced countervailing tariffs on $30 billion worth of US goods, with an additional $125 billion worth of goods expected in the coming weeks.
February 3, 2025 - Both governments agreed to a temporary 30-day pause after Canada outlines its $1.3 billion border plan.
February 10, 2025 - President Trump signed executive orders to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum products (effective March 12, 2025), with no carve-out for Canada. Further details have yet to be released on Canada’s response and any retaliatory measures.

In BC, the Ministry of Finance’s preliminary assessment estimated a trade war with the US could result in a cumulative loss of $69 billion in economic activity between 2025-2028. In response, Premier Eby has established a new cabinet committee, chaired by Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Ravi Kahlon, to serve as a “day-to-day war room”, coordinating actions across government to defend British Columbians and support the province’s economy.

For more insights on how these tariffs could impact Canada’s residential construction industry, see CHBA National’s webinar.

BC Green Party Leader Steps Down

On January 28, BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau, who lost her seat in the 2024 Provincial General Election, officially stepped down as leader of the BC Green Party.

West Vancouver - Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote will take over as interim leader until a leadership competition can be held in September.