Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron (speaking) hosted other B.C.-based NDP MP's for a caucus meeting on Friday, July 28. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

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Housing headlines federal NDP B.C. caucus meeting in Nanaimo

Jul 28, 2023 | 2:20 PM

NANAIMO — The lack of affordable housing stock was top of mind for many in the community as they met with B.C. members of the federal NDP.

Headlined by Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Lisa Marie Barron, the caucus was joined by local community group representatives in meetings on Friday, July 28, in Nanaimo to discuss local challenges and how the NDP can meet them now and leading into a projected 2025 federal election.

Barron said Nanaimo is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country and an immensely desirable place to live.

“We wanted to hear from people around what they’re seeing on the ground and to ensure we are moving in the right direction alongside members of our community with the actions necessary.”

As expected, the caucus represented Friday by Barron were highly critical of past and present government policies from the Liberal and Conservative parties.

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Barron accused the Liberals of using housing “as a commodity” while suggesting proposals from the federal Conservatives failed to look at issues around affordability.

She said a moratorium needs to be put in place to prevent corporate landlords “swooping in” to purchase low-cost units.

“We know at one point we had a government where our federal government did invest in co-op housing, social housing, we need to see that happening again.”

Barron’s comments were echoed by caucus chair and Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan who said the issue dates back to the 1980s and 1990s when the private sector was embedded in the real estate and housing market.

“These are corporate landlords that are coming in and they started to buy up the existing, private, low-cost rental apartments. When they buy them up, it’s not like they’re fixing them up and putting them on the market at the same rate. They’re jacking up the rent, evicting people…and escalating the housing crisis.”

Despite the criticism, none of Barron, Kwan or the caucus lobbied many specific, costed solutions, sticking primarily to broad calls for more action and supports to be in place.

Other topics raised were around mental health and addictions, as well as the climate crisis.

The NDP’s caucus meeting comes immediately after a cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberals.

Experts see the move, which phased out MPs who have said they will not seek re-election, as Trudeau getting his team in place ahead of a federal election in the coming years.

Voters are due back at the polls by October 2025.

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