In December 2001, the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada announced the first bilateral agreement under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement in the country.

Funding from this agreement has creating about 3,900 units under the Provincial Housing Program (PHP), the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program, and the Community Partnership Initiatives (CPI) program.

The agreement was renewed in December 2004. In this second phase, each level of government will contribute about $42 million towards the Provincial Homelessness Initiative (PHI) in BC. This program will provide a continuum of affordable housing with support services to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, people with mental illnesses and physical disabilities, those with drug and alcohol addictions, Aboriginal peoples, youth, and women with children fleeing abusive relationships. Support services include counselling, drug and alcohol treatment, and job training that will help people break out of the cycle of poverty and despair.

Under this agreement, the Government of Canada, through CMHC, will contribute $130 million by 2008 towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide a minimum of $34 million annually to subsidize the cost of units built under this agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.

Useful links:

The Canada-BC Agreement in English

The Canada-BC Agreement in French

News Release announcing the agreement - December 18, 2001