January 30, 2025 • 18 mins
In this episode, we sit down with B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon, to discuss his expanded portfolio and the critical challenges facing the housing sector. We explore how the integration of housing and municipal affairs allows for greater collaboration and efficiency, the lessons learned from his previous term, and his priorities moving forward.
Guests:
Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, British Columbia
#podcast #housing
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
A home, it's something we all need.
But for too many, having a safe place to make a home is out of reach.
The challenges can seem insurmountable.
And yet, each and every day people are coming together to provide safe, quality andaffordable housing for those in need.
Welcome to Let's Talk Housing.
(00:22):
I'm your host, Sarah Goldvine.
Join us as we listen to and learn from people in British Columbia.
who are creating strong, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
Hi and welcome to Let's Talk Housing.
I'm your host, Sarah Goldvine.
(00:42):
To kick off season four, we are joined by a very special guest, Minister of Housing andMunicipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon.
Minister Kahlon has represented Delta North as MLA since 2017, a position he was justre-elected to in October of 2024.
After serving in several cabinet roles in December 2022,
Ravi was appointed as Minister of Housing and then following his re-election this fall, hewas asked by the Premier to take on an expanded role as Minister of Housing and Municipal
(01:10):
Affairs.
As we begin, I'd like to acknowledge we're recording today on the territories of theMusqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, whose people have stewarded these lands since time
immemorial.
For transparency, this episode is being recorded in December of 2024 and reflects theissues and priorities of that time.
(01:30):
Minister Kahlon, welcome back to Let's Talk Housing.
Sarah, thanks so much.
Thanks for inviting me back.
I look forward to the conversation.
Well, it's great to have you here.
Congratulations on your re-election.
And you know, it's an exciting time we saw during the election campaign.
Certainly housing continues to be one of the most pressing, if not the most pressing issuefor people here in British Columbia.
(01:53):
You now have this expanded portfolio that includes municipal affairs as well as housing.
How do you see the intersection there coming together between the two elements of yourportfolio?
Yeah, I think it's a natural fit because in the end, what we all want is the same thingthat we want vibrant, healthy communities that have great amenities.
(02:14):
We want the rec centers.
We want the parks.
We want the green space.
But we desperately want the housing, whether that's some of the more deeply affordablehousing or whether it's the more closer to market.
We need everything.
And so with this new role, the most exciting part is A, I'm back.
I get to continue to do some of the work that I'm doing, that the ministry was doing, theBC Housing.
(02:37):
So we get to work together on kind of landing some of the big things that we're doing.
So a lot of the legislation, the changes that we brought in, seeing it all come through.
But now we get to add the carrot to all of the work as well, which is the importantdollars for infrastructure to make sure that we're
making sure that communities are fully supported.
(03:00):
And so I'm learning some of the municipal affairs pieces.
I'm doing a bit of a crash course on it.
But so far it's exciting.
It's a great team and just keen to get back to work.
now you have more than a couple of years, just barely a couple of years under your beltwith the housing file.
When you look back on that, what lessons did you learn and how are you bringing those intoyour expanded portfolio?
(03:25):
Yeah, there's, there's a lot of lessons and some challenges.
mean, people in the sector know it as well.
in perhaps, uh, uh, there's a shift in our society, whether it's British Columbia, NorthAmerica, why every community, you know, I was talking to a representative from Colorado,
uh, was up here.
They're kind of equivalent to their minister of housing.
(03:48):
And we were talking and we actually had to chuckle because it's exact same issues beingdealt with, you know,
How do we get buy-in from communities to ensure that we continue to support vulnerablepeople?
How do we get buy-in from people in community for them to understand that housing iscentral?
It's key.
Once you've got people housed, you've got some stability.
(04:10):
You can get them the other supports you need.
So the lessons I've learned is that I have to be patient.
And that's tough for me because my nature is zero to 100.
So I have to be patient in communities.
But at the same time, I think
there's a real urgency.
I heard it in the election.
People say, well, why are young people so frustrated?
And I say, they're frustrated because they don't see a pathway.
(04:33):
They don't see the pathway that their families and their parents had.
And so, you know, I'm really excited to being able to do two things.
One, to land the changes we made to actually see them being enacted in community.
Even those, late stragglers that didn't do it, but now are starting to do it.
(04:54):
And then second is the 2.0 because it was an important step to bring things to where it isnow, but there are now additional things that need to happen.
Maybe they're not as edgy as they were as the first pieces, but we have more work to dobecause in a day, you know, nothing is more frustrating for people than having five, six,
(05:15):
seven years waiting for an approval for housing.
It just is unacceptable, especially when it's affordable housing.
And so, yeah, I'm excited.
I've got some ideas and I'm sure people are keen to share ideas and those are alwayswelcome.
Well, maybe you can let us know about some of those ideas.
mean, I think our listeners would be really interested to know what are the prioritiesthat you're going to be focused on in the next few months ahead?
(05:39):
Is there anything that you can give us a sneak peek into?
I would say that the most immediate thing that I'm going to be focusing on is a couple ofthings.
One is around infrastructure.
How do we ensure that infrastructure is there in communities, whether it's water or seweror whether it's the other amenities, but at the same time, ensure that projects can still
(06:00):
get built.
And so that it's a big topic.
Obviously it's a national conversation.
so that'll be the most immediate.
I'm going to be meeting with Mr.
Fraser and federal counterparts meeting with Metro Vancouver mayors and mayors on theisland and the interior.
Just talking about this very question.
Additional pieces I would say is, you know, the small scale multi-unit changes that webrought in have been adopted by 94 % of the communities, but some haven't.
(06:31):
So putting some focus on the communities that haven't to make sure that everyone's doingtheir part.
Same with transit oriented development.
And then the next phase of changes I think we need to bring is not only ensuring thatcommunities made the basic changes,
but that they are making the kind of the more detailed changes.
(06:52):
For example, small scale multi-unit and a lot of the listeners might be, you know, biggernot for profits and maybe they're operating in a different space.
But, you know, we've got a lot of housing that we need, for example, for new residents.
And I think the six unit space is a really exciting space for folks to get into smallerprojects, more accessible.
(07:13):
And so how do we ensure that we've...
allow proper heights and setbacks and parking to make that.
How do we ensure that we're allowing people to have strata in those units?
So lots of energy going to be spent there.
And we have some work to do with our not-for-profit partners as well.
There's so much good work happening in community.
And my concern is always about how do we ensure that the services for people are beingprovided to them and that they're feeling the change, but also how do we ensure that
(07:41):
communities understand what we're doing?
and why we're doing it.
Because what jumped out at me looking at the US election and our election, I share that atHousing Central is that it was surprising to me how many people don't understand what's
happening or what not-for-profits are doing and what communities are doing to address thechallenges.
(08:02):
They see the news, they see people are struggling, but they are not seeing the hope.
They're not seeing the impacts that many of our partners are making on the ground.
Those are just some of the focuses in the next, I'd say, three, four months.
And of course, we're waiting for our mandate letters from the Premier on bigger changes.
And when I have that, I'll be able to share the rest of the changes in a bigger way.
(08:27):
Yeah, we look forward to that.
In the meantime, though, as you mentioned, there's a lot underway.
There's a long list of to-dos, a long list of priorities.
And also, people are feeling the pressure now.
So you're out on doorsteps, you're in community events.
particularly over the last few months.
What do you tell people who are frustrated and struggling with housing affordability?
(08:49):
What do you tell them?
Well, yeah, it's really tough because people have now become more conditioned to get theresult right away.
They wish there was an app for this.
You just press a button, it would be done.
it's not.
Housing takes time.
Today we were at the opening of
(09:09):
337 units in South Vancouver, 220 Indigenous housing units that I think McCollough will beoperating, and just over 120 co-ops.
if I were to go to people in my community and say, we need more co-ops, and we need moreIndigenous housing, they would say, that's amazing.
And today we're opening them.
What I always say to folks is housing takes time, unfortunately.
(09:32):
We have to remove barriers.
And I think the bigger conversation we have to have is,
How do we separate the need for housing for who actually is being housed?
Because, you know, if you say this housing is for veterans, people line up and say, that'sgreat.
You say this housing is for nurses and doctors.
(09:54):
say, that's great.
The moment you say this is for lower income folks or it's for people who are vulnerable orpeople who are supportive of housing, the mood changes, the tone changes.
And so that makes me sad.
But at the same time, it reminds me that it's our responsibility collectively to educatethe population, to help alleviate concerns when there's genuine concerns there.
(10:17):
So the things I've learned along the campaign I think will help not only myself, but mycolleagues will help us be informed.
And then last thing else is people don't have patience anymore.
They want to see results.
And I think that there's a real opportunity to really push, especially with our localgovernment partners, to get to a place where
we can get decisions and certainty faster.
(10:39):
so, know that's a long winded answer, but I watched the US election closely and obviouslyI was part of our election and seeing the elections around the country happen and I'm more
determined than ever that we collectively can make progress.
We have to make progress and people have to see it and feel it in their communities.
(11:01):
One thing I'd like to dig in there is, mean, you touched on the importance of hope andalso the challenge
of stigma, particularly when it comes to delivering housing.
and we here at Listock housing know that you're someone who understands the power ofstorytelling.
Why do you think stories are so important for really sharing with British Columbians, thework that is underway and why that's important for community?
(11:25):
Well, stories are key to who we are as human beings.
You go back as far as you want.
Stories have been how we have connected.
people's lives to the things that are happening around them.
And indigenous communities use stories to keep history going.
And, and so I think it's just foundational to who we are.
And, you know, I've been, I feel like saying this too often to people, which is we need totell the stories, you know, the, the young woman I met with in Vernon, who is, you know,
(11:57):
proudly helping other vulnerable people when she was herself sleeping in a tent a coupleof years ago.
and she's working for the not-for-profit that's supported her, know, people need thatsense of hope because when they get to the point where there's no hope, say, well, why are
we even doing this?
And then that fatigue kicks in.
And the only way we can counter fatigue in society, which is actually it's there, is withhope that the things we're doing are, not necessarily that things are getting better, but
(12:26):
that, that the solutions are being brought forward or helping some people.
And,
And so, you know, this podcast, the stories that other people have not for profits.
We want to hear them.
We want them telling them in public and in the media.
because, you know, for a long time, we, there was a thought amongst some partners that ifwe're just quiet, we just stay out of people's way and we don't bother them.
(12:52):
They don't bother us.
And, and that's just not going to happen.
That's not the reality of the world we live in.
we have to be proactive and either we tell the story or the story will be told about us.
You you're going to see a big focus from us on not only on more funding, not only on moredollars, but continuously creating the buy-in.
We cannot solve the housing crisis without affordable housing, without serious investmentin affordable housing.
(13:16):
And so you'll hear me a lot talking about the private sector because they have animportant role in it, but we cannot lose, especially with the federal election coming up,
we cannot lose the importance of the debate and the discussion to be including affordablehousing.
And so that'll be the big thing I'll be doing leading up to the federal election for sure.
(13:36):
Love that focus on story.
It's going to be a few months ahead, right?
Like it's going to be a challenging few months ahead and few years ahead in particularbecause of, as you mentioned, just the challenge with delivering the scale of housing that
is underway.
does take time.
So when you're looking ahead, how are you going to stay energized to really continue totake on this challenge for British Columbians?
(14:00):
Yeah, you know, it's the people you meet that keep you energized, you know, and the sideemails you get, like I get so many emails.
I try to read as many of them as I can, but you know, people are like, I'm struggling andcan you get me this?
Can you get me into a housing?
And then, so it just reminds you, got a lot of work to do.
And so that provides energy and I'm just an energetic person by nature.
(14:22):
my teen hates that, but I'm always like, let's go, go, go.
you know, the.
The privilege and the honor of having this role is that, I'm able to actually make adifference.
so while the moment is here and while I'm in this job, that's what I'll be doing and justexcited to keep going.
you know, it's not perfect.
(14:44):
you know, people who are listening to this, know that it's, there's a lot of work to bedone, that there's still a lot of pressure points in our communities.
But I do believe that if we work collectively, we'll be able to address it.
And by the way, I.
get messages from people across North America.
And the consistent message I hear is the work that's happening in British Columbia isleading edge.
(15:07):
And then they're not talking about the government.
They're talking about not-for-profits.
They're talking about BC housing.
They're talking about leaders that we have out here.
And so, you know, I think part of our work also has to be picking up our head andreminding ourselves once in a while that there's some amazing things happening here and
then putting our heads down and getting back to work again.
(15:28):
Thank you, Minister.
I'm going to squeeze in one final question.
You mentioned you're a father.
When you look ahead to the type of society that you want your son to have when he's yourage, what do you hope the legacy will be for the work that's underway right now in housing
for his generation?
Wow, you went heavy there.
(15:50):
My kid, with any kid, child, they know how to push their buttons.
And so he'll come home and be like, have you solved the housing crisis?
What are you guys doing over there?
And so I would say that when I hear people say, the dream of homeownership is dead, orI'll never be able to afford a place here, rent a place here, I think that is what I want
(16:14):
to be able to change.
I'd love for in four years from now, and I know this is hopeful, but four years frompeople saying, you know, I see hope.
I see...
that there is a pathway.
see that we're making progress.
And I know it will be easy because we have a lot of headwinds, you know, where there'salways a new thing coming at us, a new curve ball.
(16:35):
But, you know, today when we were opening up these new units, it reminded me theinvestments that we made in 2018 are now finally starting to open up and it's finally
coming through.
The phase one of the community housing fund stuff is coming through.
And then we know there's a lot more coming behind that.
so,
We're going to see more and more people coming in and getting into housing.
(16:57):
I think, you know, making sure that people have that hope in four years is what I'mlooking forward to.
That is a wonderful message of hope to be leaving us on today, Minister.
Thank you so much for carving out the time in your schedule to join us here on the podcasttoday.
Let's talk again soon.
Yeah.
Thanks so much for having me, Sarah.
And I want to say a big thank you to you.
You've been a big part of the BC Housing team.
(17:19):
I don't want to get you emotional, but just to say, since I've come in this role, I'veknown
you on the other side of the screen or the meetings.
And the work you've done and the contribution you've made has been tremendous.
And I know you're not done, you're still in the housing sector space and your neworganization is lucky to have you.
But I want to say a big thank you on behalf of the province, the people that perhaps don'thave a chance to say this, but thank you, thank you for the work you've done.
(17:46):
And hopefully you're doing a podcast at your new place as well and you'll invite me.
thank you so much, Minister.
Honestly, it's an honour to be able to do this work and in particular to be able to do itfor somebody who understands the power of work that includes story and communications.
So thank you.
Thank you so much.
We're going to miss you, but you're not going far.
(18:07):
I'm not going far.
To learn more about BC Housing, including how to apply for subsidized housing in BritishColumbia, visit bchousing.org.
You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
If you enjoyed this episode, give us a rating.
(18:27):
This will help others find Let's Talk Housing and join the conversation.
You can subscribe to Let's Talk Housing on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to yourpodcasts.
A home, it's something we all need.
But for too many, having a safe place to make a home is out of reach.
The challenges can seem insurmountable.
And yet, each and every day people are coming together to provide safe, quality andaffordable housing for those in need.
Welcome to Let's Talk Housing.
(00:22):
I'm your host, Sarah Goldvine.
Join us as we listen to and learn from people in British Columbia.
who are creating strong, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
Hi and welcome to Let's Talk Housing.
I'm your host, Sarah Goldvine.
(00:42):
To kick off season four, we are joined by a very special guest, Minister of Housing andMunicipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon.
Minister Kahlon has represented Delta North as MLA since 2017, a position he was justre-elected to in October of 2024.
After serving in several cabinet roles in December 2022,
Ravi was appointed as Minister of Housing and then following his re-election this fall, hewas asked by the Premier to take on an expanded role as Minister of Housing and Municipal
(01:10):
Affairs.
As we begin, I'd like to acknowledge we're recording today on the territories of theMusqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, whose people have stewarded these lands since time
immemorial.
For transparency, this episode is being recorded in December of 2024 and reflects theissues and priorities of that time.
(01:30):
Minister Kahlon, welcome back to Let's Talk Housing.
Sarah, thanks so much.
Thanks for inviting me back.
I look forward to the conversation.
Well, it's great to have you here.
Congratulations on your re-election.
And you know, it's an exciting time we saw during the election campaign.
Certainly housing continues to be one of the most pressing, if not the most pressing issuefor people here in British Columbia.
(01:53):
You now have this expanded portfolio that includes municipal affairs as well as housing.
How do you see the intersection there coming together between the two elements of yourportfolio?
Yeah, I think it's a natural fit because in the end, what we all want is the same thingthat we want vibrant, healthy communities that have great amenities.
(02:14):
We want the rec centers.
We want the parks.
We want the green space.
But we desperately want the housing, whether that's some of the more deeply affordablehousing or whether it's the more closer to market.
We need everything.
And so with this new role, the most exciting part is A, I'm back.
I get to continue to do some of the work that I'm doing, that the ministry was doing, theBC Housing.
(02:37):
So we get to work together on kind of landing some of the big things that we're doing.
So a lot of the legislation, the changes that we brought in, seeing it all come through.
But now we get to add the carrot to all of the work as well, which is the importantdollars for infrastructure to make sure that we're
making sure that communities are fully supported.
(03:00):
And so I'm learning some of the municipal affairs pieces.
I'm doing a bit of a crash course on it.
But so far it's exciting.
It's a great team and just keen to get back to work.
now you have more than a couple of years, just barely a couple of years under your beltwith the housing file.
When you look back on that, what lessons did you learn and how are you bringing those intoyour expanded portfolio?
(03:25):
Yeah, there's, there's a lot of lessons and some challenges.
mean, people in the sector know it as well.
in perhaps, uh, uh, there's a shift in our society, whether it's British Columbia, NorthAmerica, why every community, you know, I was talking to a representative from Colorado,
uh, was up here.
They're kind of equivalent to their minister of housing.
(03:48):
And we were talking and we actually had to chuckle because it's exact same issues beingdealt with, you know,
How do we get buy-in from communities to ensure that we continue to support vulnerablepeople?
How do we get buy-in from people in community for them to understand that housing iscentral?
It's key.
Once you've got people housed, you've got some stability.
(04:10):
You can get them the other supports you need.
So the lessons I've learned is that I have to be patient.
And that's tough for me because my nature is zero to 100.
So I have to be patient in communities.
But at the same time, I think
there's a real urgency.
I heard it in the election.
People say, well, why are young people so frustrated?
And I say, they're frustrated because they don't see a pathway.
(04:33):
They don't see the pathway that their families and their parents had.
And so, you know, I'm really excited to being able to do two things.
One, to land the changes we made to actually see them being enacted in community.
Even those, late stragglers that didn't do it, but now are starting to do it.
(04:54):
And then second is the 2.0 because it was an important step to bring things to where it isnow, but there are now additional things that need to happen.
Maybe they're not as edgy as they were as the first pieces, but we have more work to dobecause in a day, you know, nothing is more frustrating for people than having five, six,
(05:15):
seven years waiting for an approval for housing.
It just is unacceptable, especially when it's affordable housing.
And so, yeah, I'm excited.
I've got some ideas and I'm sure people are keen to share ideas and those are alwayswelcome.
Well, maybe you can let us know about some of those ideas.
mean, I think our listeners would be really interested to know what are the prioritiesthat you're going to be focused on in the next few months ahead?
(05:39):
Is there anything that you can give us a sneak peek into?
I would say that the most immediate thing that I'm going to be focusing on is a couple ofthings.
One is around infrastructure.
How do we ensure that infrastructure is there in communities, whether it's water or seweror whether it's the other amenities, but at the same time, ensure that projects can still
(06:00):
get built.
And so that it's a big topic.
Obviously it's a national conversation.
so that'll be the most immediate.
I'm going to be meeting with Mr.
Fraser and federal counterparts meeting with Metro Vancouver mayors and mayors on theisland and the interior.
Just talking about this very question.
Additional pieces I would say is, you know, the small scale multi-unit changes that webrought in have been adopted by 94 % of the communities, but some haven't.
(06:31):
So putting some focus on the communities that haven't to make sure that everyone's doingtheir part.
Same with transit oriented development.
And then the next phase of changes I think we need to bring is not only ensuring thatcommunities made the basic changes,
but that they are making the kind of the more detailed changes.
(06:52):
For example, small scale multi-unit and a lot of the listeners might be, you know, biggernot for profits and maybe they're operating in a different space.
But, you know, we've got a lot of housing that we need, for example, for new residents.
And I think the six unit space is a really exciting space for folks to get into smallerprojects, more accessible.
(07:13):
And so how do we ensure that we've...
allow proper heights and setbacks and parking to make that.
How do we ensure that we're allowing people to have strata in those units?
So lots of energy going to be spent there.
And we have some work to do with our not-for-profit partners as well.
There's so much good work happening in community.
And my concern is always about how do we ensure that the services for people are beingprovided to them and that they're feeling the change, but also how do we ensure that
(07:41):
communities understand what we're doing?
and why we're doing it.
Because what jumped out at me looking at the US election and our election, I share that atHousing Central is that it was surprising to me how many people don't understand what's
happening or what not-for-profits are doing and what communities are doing to address thechallenges.
(08:02):
They see the news, they see people are struggling, but they are not seeing the hope.
They're not seeing the impacts that many of our partners are making on the ground.
Those are just some of the focuses in the next, I'd say, three, four months.
And of course, we're waiting for our mandate letters from the Premier on bigger changes.
And when I have that, I'll be able to share the rest of the changes in a bigger way.
(08:27):
Yeah, we look forward to that.
In the meantime, though, as you mentioned, there's a lot underway.
There's a long list of to-dos, a long list of priorities.
And also, people are feeling the pressure now.
So you're out on doorsteps, you're in community events.
particularly over the last few months.
What do you tell people who are frustrated and struggling with housing affordability?
(08:49):
What do you tell them?
Well, yeah, it's really tough because people have now become more conditioned to get theresult right away.
They wish there was an app for this.
You just press a button, it would be done.
it's not.
Housing takes time.
Today we were at the opening of
(09:09):
337 units in South Vancouver, 220 Indigenous housing units that I think McCollough will beoperating, and just over 120 co-ops.
if I were to go to people in my community and say, we need more co-ops, and we need moreIndigenous housing, they would say, that's amazing.
And today we're opening them.
What I always say to folks is housing takes time, unfortunately.
(09:32):
We have to remove barriers.
And I think the bigger conversation we have to have is,
How do we separate the need for housing for who actually is being housed?
Because, you know, if you say this housing is for veterans, people line up and say, that'sgreat.
You say this housing is for nurses and doctors.
(09:54):
say, that's great.
The moment you say this is for lower income folks or it's for people who are vulnerable orpeople who are supportive of housing, the mood changes, the tone changes.
And so that makes me sad.
But at the same time, it reminds me that it's our responsibility collectively to educatethe population, to help alleviate concerns when there's genuine concerns there.
(10:17):
So the things I've learned along the campaign I think will help not only myself, but mycolleagues will help us be informed.
And then last thing else is people don't have patience anymore.
They want to see results.
And I think that there's a real opportunity to really push, especially with our localgovernment partners, to get to a place where
we can get decisions and certainty faster.
(10:39):
so, know that's a long winded answer, but I watched the US election closely and obviouslyI was part of our election and seeing the elections around the country happen and I'm more
determined than ever that we collectively can make progress.
We have to make progress and people have to see it and feel it in their communities.
(11:01):
One thing I'd like to dig in there is, mean, you touched on the importance of hope andalso the challenge
of stigma, particularly when it comes to delivering housing.
and we here at Listock housing know that you're someone who understands the power ofstorytelling.
Why do you think stories are so important for really sharing with British Columbians, thework that is underway and why that's important for community?
(11:25):
Well, stories are key to who we are as human beings.
You go back as far as you want.
Stories have been how we have connected.
people's lives to the things that are happening around them.
And indigenous communities use stories to keep history going.
And, and so I think it's just foundational to who we are.
And, you know, I've been, I feel like saying this too often to people, which is we need totell the stories, you know, the, the young woman I met with in Vernon, who is, you know,
(11:57):
proudly helping other vulnerable people when she was herself sleeping in a tent a coupleof years ago.
and she's working for the not-for-profit that's supported her, know, people need thatsense of hope because when they get to the point where there's no hope, say, well, why are
we even doing this?
And then that fatigue kicks in.
And the only way we can counter fatigue in society, which is actually it's there, is withhope that the things we're doing are, not necessarily that things are getting better, but
(12:26):
that, that the solutions are being brought forward or helping some people.
And,
And so, you know, this podcast, the stories that other people have not for profits.
We want to hear them.
We want them telling them in public and in the media.
because, you know, for a long time, we, there was a thought amongst some partners that ifwe're just quiet, we just stay out of people's way and we don't bother them.
(12:52):
They don't bother us.
And, and that's just not going to happen.
That's not the reality of the world we live in.
we have to be proactive and either we tell the story or the story will be told about us.
You you're going to see a big focus from us on not only on more funding, not only on moredollars, but continuously creating the buy-in.
We cannot solve the housing crisis without affordable housing, without serious investmentin affordable housing.
(13:16):
And so you'll hear me a lot talking about the private sector because they have animportant role in it, but we cannot lose, especially with the federal election coming up,
we cannot lose the importance of the debate and the discussion to be including affordablehousing.
And so that'll be the big thing I'll be doing leading up to the federal election for sure.
(13:36):
Love that focus on story.
It's going to be a few months ahead, right?
Like it's going to be a challenging few months ahead and few years ahead in particularbecause of, as you mentioned, just the challenge with delivering the scale of housing that
is underway.
does take time.
So when you're looking ahead, how are you going to stay energized to really continue totake on this challenge for British Columbians?
(14:00):
Yeah, you know, it's the people you meet that keep you energized, you know, and the sideemails you get, like I get so many emails.
I try to read as many of them as I can, but you know, people are like, I'm struggling andcan you get me this?
Can you get me into a housing?
And then, so it just reminds you, got a lot of work to do.
And so that provides energy and I'm just an energetic person by nature.
(14:22):
my teen hates that, but I'm always like, let's go, go, go.
you know, the.
The privilege and the honor of having this role is that, I'm able to actually make adifference.
so while the moment is here and while I'm in this job, that's what I'll be doing and justexcited to keep going.
you know, it's not perfect.
(14:44):
you know, people who are listening to this, know that it's, there's a lot of work to bedone, that there's still a lot of pressure points in our communities.
But I do believe that if we work collectively, we'll be able to address it.
And by the way, I.
get messages from people across North America.
And the consistent message I hear is the work that's happening in British Columbia isleading edge.
(15:07):
And then they're not talking about the government.
They're talking about not-for-profits.
They're talking about BC housing.
They're talking about leaders that we have out here.
And so, you know, I think part of our work also has to be picking up our head andreminding ourselves once in a while that there's some amazing things happening here and
then putting our heads down and getting back to work again.
(15:28):
Thank you, Minister.
I'm going to squeeze in one final question.
You mentioned you're a father.
When you look ahead to the type of society that you want your son to have when he's yourage, what do you hope the legacy will be for the work that's underway right now in housing
for his generation?
Wow, you went heavy there.
(15:50):
My kid, with any kid, child, they know how to push their buttons.
And so he'll come home and be like, have you solved the housing crisis?
What are you guys doing over there?
And so I would say that when I hear people say, the dream of homeownership is dead, orI'll never be able to afford a place here, rent a place here, I think that is what I want
(16:14):
to be able to change.
I'd love for in four years from now, and I know this is hopeful, but four years frompeople saying, you know, I see hope.
I see...
that there is a pathway.
see that we're making progress.
And I know it will be easy because we have a lot of headwinds, you know, where there'salways a new thing coming at us, a new curve ball.
(16:35):
But, you know, today when we were opening up these new units, it reminded me theinvestments that we made in 2018 are now finally starting to open up and it's finally
coming through.
The phase one of the community housing fund stuff is coming through.
And then we know there's a lot more coming behind that.
so,
We're going to see more and more people coming in and getting into housing.
(16:57):
I think, you know, making sure that people have that hope in four years is what I'mlooking forward to.
That is a wonderful message of hope to be leaving us on today, Minister.
Thank you so much for carving out the time in your schedule to join us here on the podcasttoday.
Let's talk again soon.
Yeah.
Thanks so much for having me, Sarah.
And I want to say a big thank you to you.
You've been a big part of the BC Housing team.
(17:19):
I don't want to get you emotional, but just to say, since I've come in this role, I'veknown
you on the other side of the screen or the meetings.
And the work you've done and the contribution you've made has been tremendous.
And I know you're not done, you're still in the housing sector space and your neworganization is lucky to have you.
But I want to say a big thank you on behalf of the province, the people that perhaps don'thave a chance to say this, but thank you, thank you for the work you've done.
(17:46):
And hopefully you're doing a podcast at your new place as well and you'll invite me.
thank you so much, Minister.
Honestly, it's an honour to be able to do this work and in particular to be able to do itfor somebody who understands the power of work that includes story and communications.
So thank you.
Thank you so much.
We're going to miss you, but you're not going far.
(18:07):
I'm not going far.
To learn more about BC Housing, including how to apply for subsidized housing in BritishColumbia, visit bchousing.org.
You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
If you enjoyed this episode, give us a rating.
(18:27):
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You can subscribe to Let's Talk Housing on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to yourpodcasts.
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