Olsen renews call for regulation of short-term rental market
VICTORIA B.C. – B.C. Green Party MLA Adam Olsen is renewing the party’s call on the government to regulate the short-term rental market as the housing crisis worsens across the province.
With many communities struggling to house local workers, the short-term rental market is getting out of control in British Columbia. A business license is required to host an Airbnb in Vancouver, but there are only 2,964 business licenses registered in the city, compared to 4,929 active Airbnb listings. This suggests that there are thousands of unlicensed short-term rentals in Vancouver and a lack of regulatory enforcement. These short-term units take away housing opportunities for those living in the city long-term, making the housing market even more difficult to navigate.
Better supports for survivors of sexual assault are welcome, but not enough
VICTORIA, B.C - In response to the announcement of funding, new programs, and updated police standards to support survivors of sexual assault, Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, has released the following statement:
“I acknowledge the additional resources to support survivors of sexual assault in BC, and I am pleased to see stable funding, integrated regional support centres, and updated policing standards included in today’s announcement.
Furstenau joins Valeriote on Bowen Island to meet with residents
BOWEN ISLAND B.C. – B.C. Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau joined B.C. Green candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, Jeremy Valeriote, at an event on Bowen Island today. The event at Tell Your Friends Cafe was an opportunity for residents to connect with Furstenau and Valeriote and discuss their shared vision for the future of British Columbia.
Furstenau responds to Surrey police decision
VICTORIA, B.C. - In response to Minister Farnworth’s announcement regarding policing services in Surrey, Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley and Leader of the BC Greens, has issued the following statement:
“Today Minister Farnworth exercised statutory authority under the Police Act to ensure adequate policing in Surrey by setting a plan in motion to move forward with the Surrey Police Service.
“This prolonged debate has come at a tremendous cost to Surrey residents, British Columbians, and public safety. Moving forward I urge the Minister and all involved to ensure the process remains transparent and meaningfully engages with the concerns of the community.
Unregulated toxic drug deaths: CTRL + C + CTRL + V
VICTORIA, B.C - Today, the BC Coroners Service reported 184 suspected unregulated drug toxicity deaths in June. Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley, has issued the following statement:
“Every month is the same thing. The Coroner reports how many more hundreds of British Columbians were killed by toxic drugs. The government and the Minister responsible release the same statement with the same empty platitudes as the month prior and the same ‘commitment’ to solve this crisis. Another month goes by. Rinse and repeat.