Victoria-area resident doctor's housing affordability concern raised in B.C. legislature
An Oak Bay, B.C., doctor in residence’s concern over the affordability of the rental market has made its way into the B.C. legislature with the official opposition party pushing the NDP finance minister for solutions.
Alexander Kilpatrick spoke with CTV News about his soon-to-be family of five’s desire to stay in the community so he can set up a much-needed family practice amid the doctor shortage.
The family has been given notice they need to find new accommodations within two months, so their landlord can move back into the home the Kilpatricks have lived in for two and a half years.
In that time, Kilpatrick says rental prices for a similar property have gone up $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
“What does the finance minister have to say to this family?” asked Liberal housing critic Mike Bernier during question period. “They’re just trying to address the doctor shortage. They want to stay here in Victoria. What is she going to do to help the Kilpatricks afford to live here?”
The minister of finance started by pointing out the housing crisis is an issue across Canada and even the world – and a matter the NDP has been working on since it formed government in 2017.
“We’re continuing to work with local governments to get more product,” said Selina Robinson. “We have brought forward this $7 billion to build the kind of housing that British Columbians need. It’s a 10-year plan.”
Robinson claims 32,000 homes are being built under the initiative.
“Housing’s never been more unaffordable,” said Bernier in his retort. “And now even a doctor and a school teacher can’t afford to live here.”
Robinson responded by pointing out $2 billion is available for construction financing to deliver homes for “middle income” families – and said housing construction takes time.
“If the previous government had started on that track,” she said, “we wouldn’t be in this situation right now.”
Kilpatrick says he appreciates the attention being paid to the issue and hopes it starts a wave politicians can’t ignore.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.