Assault-style firearm definition draws applause from gun-control group, ire of Tories

VANCOUVER – An agreement between First Nations and the British Columbia government will see thousands of homes made available in Vancouver at 40-per-cent below cost.

Premier David Eby calls it a “remarkable” accomplishment between the province and the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, which would see about 2,600 homes sold for 60 per cent of the value in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.

The agreement would sell one-, two- and three-bedroom units in a 99-year-lease on First Nations land with the government financing the other 40 per cent of the value to be paid back when the unit is sold or 25 years after the purchase date.

There will be screening to stop speculators, while buyers must have a total annual household income of under $131,950 along with a series of other eligibility rules, including pre-qualifying for a mortgage and a minimum deposit of five per cent.

Prospective buyers would be able to register and confirm their eligibility as early as next spring for a unit on the Heather Lands on the west side of Vancouver, followed by a randomized selection of eligible buyers with priority for first-time owners.

Eby says he’s excited about scaling up similar ideas across B.C., adding there will be a strong emphasis on housing in the NDP’s upcoming election platform.

A studio unit is expected to sell for a about $372,000, while the one-bedroom would be sold for $510,000 and a two-bedroom condo would go for $780,000. About 540 of the condos would be social housing.

“The dream of home ownership has been out of reach for too many, for too long, especially here in Vancouver, ” Eby said Thursday at the announcement.

The plan will help thousands of middle-class people break into the housing market, he said, while allowing the government to recover its financial contribution.

“This means more families living and working here can put down roots, while also addressing labour challenges and driving our economy forward,” the premier said.

Eby says the province’s contribution is estimated to be about $670 million in loans.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

FREDERICTON – A look at David Coon, leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick:

Born: Oct. 28, 1956.

Early years: Born in Toronto and raised in Montreal, he spent about three decades as an environmental advocate.

Education: A trained biologist, he graduated with a bachelor of science from McGill University in Montreal in 1978.

Family: He and his wife Janice Harvey have two daughters, Caroline and Laura.

Before politics: Worked as an environmental educator, organizer, activist and manager for 33 years, mainly with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.

Politics: Joined the Green Party of Canada in May 2006 and was elected leader of the New Brunswick Green Party in September 2012. Won a seat in the legislature in 2014 — a first for the province’s Greens.

Quote: “It was despicable. He’s clearly decided to take the low road in this campaign, to adopt some Trump-lite fearmongering.” — David Coon on Sept. 12, 2024, reacting to Blaine Higgs’s claim that the federal government had decided to send 4,600 asylum seekers to New Brunswick.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

FREDERICTON – A look at Blaine Higgs, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick.

Born: March 1, 1954.

Early years: The son of a customs officer, he grew up in Forest City, N.B., near the Canada-U.S. border.

Education: Graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1977.

Family: Married his high-school sweetheart, Marcia, and settled in Saint John, N.B., where they had four daughters: Lindsey, Laura, Sarah and Rachel.

Before politics: Hired by Irving Oil a week after he graduated from university and was eventually promoted to director of distribution. Worked for 33 years at the company.

Politics: Elected to the legislature in 2010 and later served as finance minister under former Progressive Conservative Premier David Alward. Elected Tory leader in 2016 and has been premier since 2018.

Quote: “I’ve always felt parents should play the main role in raising children. No one is denying gender diversity is real. But we need to figure out how to manage it.” — Blaine Higgs in a year-end interview in 2023, explaining changes to school policies about gender identity.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.