Advocacy Update Archive

Advocacy Update – Septamber 3, 2026

It’s been an eventful summer in BC politics, with the legislature’s party composition
set to look markedly different this fall than it did in the spring.

News

BC Politics
The BC Government announced a 2027 maximum allowable rent increase of 2.2 per cent throughout the province. This is below the current 2.9 per cent British Columbia inflation rate. The earliest a rent increase may be effective is 12 months after the last rent increase or the date the rent was established. Additionally, notice must be served at least three full months before the effective date.

Rental Housing
The BC Government announced a 2027 maximum allowable rent increase of 2.2 per cent throughout the province. This is below the current 2.9 per cent British Columbia inflation rate. The earliest a rent increase may be effective is 12 months after the last rent increase or the date the rent was established. Additionally, notice must be served at least three full months before the effective date.

Canadian Trade
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Brenda Bailey signed Order in Council 383, which entered the BC Government into an agreement, “Fourth Protocol of Amendment – Canadian Free Trade Agreement” along with the federal government, and all provincial and territorial governments. The Fourth Protocol is intended to strengthen labour mobility across Canada by making it easier and faster for certified workers to have their credentials recognized in other provinces and territories. This is not anticipated to result in any changes to real estate licensees transferring to BC from another province.

Consultations

Federal Pre-Budget 2026 Consultation
In preparation for the fall 2026 federal budget, Canadians across the country are invited to share their input on key priorities, including boosting investment and competition, strengthening Canadian sovereignty, and addressing the most pressing economic challenges facing Canadians today. Canadians can take part in the consultation process until Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Federal Financing Measures to Support the Supply of Housing for Owners and Renters
The federal government is seeking to understand whether, and to what extent its housing finance interventions to support new homebuilding should adjust to respond to the evolving market reality around homeownership and rental. Input can be submitted through an online survey portal until Friday, September 25, 2026.

Please feel free to share your opinion on these consultations with BCREA via our Government Relations email address below. We are always interested in the thoughts of Advocacy Update readers.

Readings

Drop in housing starts
Urban Development Institute Mike Drummond went on CBC’s On The Coast program to talk about how a 42 per cent drop in Vancouver housing starts signals the worst housing downturn in 30 years.

More and Better Housing Canada
Read More and Better Housing Canada’s reports on what’s needed to reach 5.8 million new affordable, low-carbon, and resilient homes in this country by 2030.

Small Housing Resources
Explore Small Housing’s suite of resources, designed to inform and support gentle density ambitions.

Events

2026 Union of BC Municipalities Convention
Union of BC Municipalities
September 14 – 18, 2026, Vancouver Convention Centre
Vancouver, BC

PacificWest 2026 Conference
Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and Greater Vancouver REALTORS^®
September 28 – 29, 2026, Vancouver Convention Centre
Vancouver, BC

BCREA’s Government Relations Quarterly can be subscribed to here. Attention REALTORS^®: no need to subscribe, as you are automatically included on the distribution list! Check out the archive here.

Feel free to share the Advocacy Update with others. The most recent version of the Advocacy Update is also available on BCREA Access (login required).

If you’d like to be added to the Advocacy Update distribution list click here (BCREA Access login required), or for more information, please contact:

Brenna Friesen
Policy Analyst
Direct: 778.373.6481
Email: [email protected]