Issue 44 April 2020

Consultations

“B.C. Consultation on a Public Beneficial Ownership Registry”

In late April, we submitted a consultation paper to the Ministry of Finance on the  Association’s perspective on the Public Beneficial Ownership Registry. Below is an excerpt from this submission, please click the link above for the full consultation paper.

Our Association has actively participated in all anti-money laundering consultations. We are not opposed to transparency measures that support this effort in the residential construction industry. Ours is a vibrant, entrepreneurial industry that creates and supports good-paying jobs in all regions of the province. As is the case of other sectors, there are ‘bad actors.’ Our efforts are and should be focused on rooting out those unscrupulous operators while ensuring the professionals can thrive.

Overall, an easy-to-use system with limited administrative burden and cost is the preferred outcome so small businesses are not challenged with these essential requirements.

Lastly, as indicated in the consultation paper, there are many legitimate arrangements created for normal business purposes. There is an underlying conversation to be had with business owners across many different sectors to better understand why these tools are used, and what incentives could be considered to mitigate the number of companies in B.C. using these systems.

“Residential Flexibility in the ALR Intentions Paper”

In mid-April, we submitted a consultation paper to the Government of British Columbia on the  Association’s perspective on Residential Flexibility in the ALR Intentions Paper. Below is an excerpt from this submission, please click the link above for the full consultation paper.

As there are many points raised in the consultation paper, we have kept our comments specific to the areas impacting residential construction and of particular concern to our membership. 

Ultimately, the framework and policies must be clearly outlined in order to support residential flexibility.

Having further clarity on permitted residences, as identified within the technical suggestions of this paper, will enable home builders and renovators to better advise their clients on appropriate home modifications that address aging in place and family needs. This is even more important in areas of the province with higher percentages of ALR land within its boundaries. 

Overall, we support the intention of this paper to provide flexibility for legitimate residential uses in the ALR to support B.C.’s farmers and their families.

COVID-19

COVID Resources

The federal government has announced measures to financially support Canadians and businesses that are affected by the pandemic.

Of particular note are:

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy:

As a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020.

This wage subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis.

And the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA):

CEBA will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.

• To qualify, these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019.
• Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks and credit unions.

Economic Recovery Policy Discussions

CEO Neil Moody had the opportunity to discuss with Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, Selina Robinson, this past month to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on the residential construction industry and what possible provincial government supports may be of value to our members.

Our association has been in close contact with of executive and Board of Directors to ensure that we hear all of the impacts that COVID-19 has had upon our membership. To understand these effects further we have gone live with an Economic Impact Survey so that we will be able to best represent your concerns and ideas to the provincial government as we look forward to economic recovery.