Few issues in British Columbia (B.C.) are more persistent or far-reaching than the issue of housing affordability. By almost any measure, British Columbians’ ability to rent or purchase homes that meet their needs at costs they can afford has worsened in recent decades, with little or no sign of reversal. Indeed, housing affordability consistently features among the top concerns for voters in local, provincial, and federal elections, prompting policymakers from all orders of government to respond.

Despite significant policy responses in recent years, many segments of the population still face major housing challenges. These segments include the most vulnerable individuals and families, many of whom lack adequate shelter and tenure security, as well as middle-income earners struggling to find suitable homes to rent or buy. These challenges do not exist in isolation from one another, and must all be addressed. Insufficient or inadequate action on housing jeopardizes B.C.’s place as a welcoming, growing, and innovative destination for current and future generations.