Government Relations Committee celebrates five years of growth

Advocacy is a strong reason to join the Association. We advocate for our collective interest on issues that affect our day-to-day businesses, the industry at-large and the economy. CHBA at all three levels (local, provincial, national) also has a targeted interest in housing affordability, to ensure homes can be built that meet people’s needs at a price they can afford.

Five years ago, on June 25, 2014, the provincial government relations committee was born to help CHBA BC advance its advocacy work and increase member engagement in the process.

  Man gives speech at meeting

Members provided input on housing affordability and development solutions with Minister Selina Robinson and BC Housing CEO Shayne Ramsay during the September 2018 provincial meetings.

   

The first committee chair, Ron Rapp from Homebuilders Association Vancouver, was appointed at the inaugural meeting and led the committee from 2014-2019. “I was truly overwhelmed with the degree of positive response and enthusiasm the committee proposal received. It was my desire to have the Association take up the cause and actively advocate on behalf of our members’ interests,” he said.

The committee's overarching purpose since day one is to provide advice to the activities within the government relations program. Members are tasked with identifying, researching, and addressing issues that could impact the residential construction industry in British Columbia.

“It was high time that our collective voices were heard. Too often, builders were burdened with any and all sorts of requirements that they did not challenge. I am very proud and pleased to have been involved as we built credibility, enhanced our presence with the provincial government and industry stakeholders, and truly became an effective voice for our members,” commented Rapp.

   

From left to right: CHBA BC president Brian Charlton, past government relations chair Ron Rapp, MP Dan Albas, current government relations chair Matt McCurrach, and CEO Neil Moody at the CHBA National Day on the Hill in Ottawa held in February 2019.

 

A lot has been accomplished in a short amount of time. Some advocacy highlights include:

  • a new Building Act to streamline regulatory requirements across the province;
  • mandatory education requirements for new residential builder licence applicants and annual education requirements for all licence holders;
  • working with BC Hydro to improve the new connections program and provide increased transparency;
  • adjustments to the property transfer tax for first-time home buyers and new construction projects;
  • Hosting a province-wide roundtable with the CEO of BC Housing and Minister of Housing at the CHBA BC Provincial Meetings in 2015 and 2018;
  • securing an exemption to the Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act for properties under development, which would have otherwise been captured by the tax;
  • the first Legislature Day, where CHBA BC delegates met with 70% of BC Members of the Legislative Assembly in one day to discuss housing affordability solutions;
  • Improving policy resources and reports to highlight CHBA BC’s activities and the impact of the residential construction industry in British Columbia; and
  • Participating in over 20 policy consultations, including cannabis, labour issues, provincial budgets, asbestos, rental housing, money laundering, and development approvals.
 

CEO Neil Moody speaks at the Technology Skills Appreciation Week announcement at the B.C. Legislature in March 2016.

 

The initial committee was made up of five members at its inception. Today, it boasts over 15 engaged members and six ex-officio staff members in various roles. The committee meets on a monthly basis by video conference, with in-person meetings usually held each September and March at the CHBA BC bi-annual Provincial Meetings.

Matt McCurrach, past president and CHBA Central Interior member, is the current government relations committee chair and took over from Ron Rapp. Matt has been a member of the committee since its inception, and participated in many government meetings as a member of the CHBA BC executive committee.

“The engagement from members large and small from around the province has propelled the industry’s primary concerns of housing affordability to the offices of the Legislature,” said McCurrach. “Looking at the near future this committee will continue its momentum advocating on behalf of our diverse membership in a non-partisan manner.”

  Four people in front of a banner

Past president Lynn Harrison from Homebuilders Association Vancouver, immediate past president and government relations committee chair Matt McCurrach from CHBA Central Interior, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark and CEO Neil Moody at the CHBA BC Office in 2017.

 

During the past five years, political and housing environments have changed dramatically.  The committee continues to be flexible as issues and needs have changed.

“Membership concerns will always be delivered in an educational, respectful manner to government and the public. Market homeownership for British Columbians is primarily what our membership builds. Delivering key action items and stories on how to make housing more affordable and keep our robust membership building communities across B.C. is a new strategic area for the committee,” McCurrach added.

This committee is engaged and growing, and there is much more to do. However, after five years, all members involved should reflect positively on the growth thus far.

 

Homebuilders Association Vancouver members Rob Capar, Larry Clay and Erik Jensen with Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson (third from left) in 2018.

   



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