Advocacy Update Archive

Advocacy Update – August 6, 2026

More than $152 million is being invested in 54 new infrastructure projects across
British Columbia through the federal Strategic Priorities Fund.

News

Building Communities Strong Funding in BC
More than $152 million is being invested in 54 new infrastructure projects across British Columbia through the federal Strategic Priorities Fund. This program supports infrastructure projects that are beyond the financial capacity of a single local government, under the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream in BC. The BCSF Community stream provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada and the Province of British Columbia will receive over $326 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

National Approach to Home Labelling
The federal government is seeking to establish a national approach to home labelling for Part 9 homes to encourage energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. Natural Resources Canada now has a National Home Labelling Website, which provides home labelling resources and information to jurisdictions, industries, and households to support their home labelling initiatives. As a first step towards a virtual home labelling standard, the website includes voluntary Guidelines for Virtual Home Labelling, and is updated as new resources are available.

BCFSA Advisory
The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) has issued an advisory to inform real estate licensees of details regarding the application of the provincial sales tax (PST) to non-residential real estate services. The advisory spells out the definition of “non-residential real estate services,” describes how new PST regulations apply to these services, and outlines several exemptions. BCFSA advises brokerages with questions about their PST obligations to seek advice from a qualified tax or accounting professional. If you have any outstanding questions regarding the PST regulations, please contact [email protected].

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

We’ve Been Measuring Homeownership Wrong
The Missing Middle Initiative’s Mike Moffatt questions whether we have been measuring homeownership wrong, noting that a better metric shows that homeownership is even less common among younger Canadians than official statistics suggest.

Mixed Reaction to Federal Housing Plan in British Columbia
A new Research Co. poll has found that residents of British Columbia are ambivalent about the federal government’s recently announced affordable housing proposal.

If Condo Investors Were So Bad – Who Builds the Next 200,000 Rental Units?
Read Concrete & Capital Kyle Agro’s discussion on who replaces the condo investors if they are gone from the rental supply equation.

What Does BC’s New Centrist Party Want?
Listen to Unruly podcast host Adam Zivo’s interview with new CentreBC leader Mike Bernier to learn more about his vision for the party.

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

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