Federal investments appear to match B.C. housing, transit initiatives: de Jong
VANCOUVER — The federal budget appears to be in line with British Columbia’s approach to affordable housing, child care and transit, Finance Minister Mike de Jong said Wednesday, calling a new $11.2 billion national housing fund a “relevant and significant” amount of money.
It’s unclear how large a share B.C. will get, but he said the focus on encouraging partnerships between housing providers and the private sector matches the province’s strategy.
“It is entirely consistent with the approach we’re trying to take here,” he said.
De Jong addressed the federal budget after announcing $5 million to support the expansion in Vancouver of Covenant House, which helps homeless youth. He said it is an example of how partnerships between the government and the private sector or societies can create new housing.