The following piece was written by VTU member Nathan Crompton.

In case you haven’t heard, David Eby is running to be the next premier of British Columbia, and there’s a buzz of excitement from commentators about what that could mean for BC’s housing unaffordability policies. But does Eby’s record and proposals match the progressive veneer he’s cultivated for himself?

The following article was researched and written by member Dianne Varga, an organizer and life-long tenant currently living on the unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

***For Immediate Release***

BC Government must rectify the eviction crisis in Metro Vancouver; VTU slams Housing Minister’s previous statements on the issue

Background:

It’s been three years since the provincial government’s Rental Housing Task Force delivered their report calling to “Stop Renovictions”. Since then, the government has been slow to make this happen.

***For Immediate Release***

VANCOUVER

As B.C. experiences a third wave of COVID-19 and tighter restrictions, renter Warren Bowen and his partner are worried about their safety as their landlord hosts real estate open houses in the 750 sq ft condo his partner rents.

***For Immediate Release***

As pandemic-era eviction bans have expired in jurisdictions all around the world, tenants who have been unable to pay rent during a time of crisis are getting evicted en-masse.

The B.C. government allowed evictions to resume back in September 2020, attached to a requirement that landlords must offer tenants a punishing 10-month repayment schedule for their rent debt. VTU members have demanded that the eviction ban remain in place for the duration of the pandemic - allowing people to lose their homes during this time is inhumane and dangerous for public health.

***For Immediate Release***

January 28, 2021