Many B.C. renters left behind by provincial subsidy: CCPA

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C. is the only province providing a direct rental supplement to people who have lost income due to COVID-19, but the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) wants to see that cash reach more people.

When Premier John Horgan and Housing Minister Selina Robinson announced British Columbians in need could qualify for up to $500 a month for four months, many worked that amount into their emergency budget, only to later learn in households without dependents, a 2019 household income of just $74,000 would mean they get nothing.

“There are going to be renters who are in a very tough situation right now,” CCPA columnist Alex Hemingway says. “We absolutely have the fiscal capacity in B.C. to do whatever it takes to make sure households are supported in this province, including renter households.”

Hemingway explains the renters supplement falls short, relative to the need.

“In some cases, for families without dependents, it’s only going to amount to $300, which is certainly going to help, but given the levels of rents that we have in this province, particularly in the Lower Mainland, that’s going to leave a lot of folks stretched,” he explains. “The other biggest concern that stands out to me are the aspects of the criteria to qualify seem to stringent.”

A  March 2020 report shows the average price of a one-bedroom in Vancouver at $1,915.

He says by dropping some of the criteria required to get financial aid from the province, the government would be helping more people in need.

And despite the help being there for others, Hemingway notes it’s just too little.

“But again, when you look at those average rents, you’re getting up to $1,800, $2,000, depending on what kind of unit you’re in, and you may be left with very little to scrape by for groceries and other essentials,” he says. “I think things have been moving very quickly, but there are going to be renters who are in a very tough situation right now.”

There is currently a ban on evictions related to people who can’t afford rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a rent freeze — both good things in Hemingway’s view. However, he says the province needs to be prepared to get more money into the hands of British Columbians who are unable to make ends meet.

“Because, I think we’re going to see — very quickly — that there are renter households all over the province who are going to find themselves in that situation,” he explains.

On whether it is feasible for the B.C. government to increase its financial aid for those in need, Hemingway says the province “absolutely” has the fiscal capacity.

“We’re an extremely wealthy province, and we have the ability to spend as needed right now. And we should do that.”

Despite being ahead of the pack, Hemingway believes B.C. should try to stay ahead and keep helping the people who live in the province.

For people living in illegal suites, the premier has said renters should still apply, with no worries about punishment for those landlords right now.

Hemingway notes anyone who believes they need financial help should apply for the subsidy.