13.89°C Vancouver

Mar 25, 2020 9:42 PM -

British Columbia government is suspending evictions and offering a $500 monthly rebate to help renters and landlords

Share On
british-columbia-government-is-suspending-evictions-and-offering-a-500-monthly-rebate-to-help-renters-and-landlords
Premier John Horgan addressing media conference in Vancouver, about activating its provincial pandemic plan to deal with the novel coronavirus. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry can also be seen in the pic. March 6, 2020. Connect News/Jawad Siddiqui

The British Columbia government is suspending evictions and offering a $500 monthly rebate to help renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier John Horgan says the government is also imposing a freeze on rent increases.

Horgan says many tenants have lost their jobs and are worried they won't be able to pay their rent and they should not be forced out when health officials are telling them to stay at home.

The money will be paid directly to landlords on the behalf of renters for the next four months.

Horgan says while he knows $500 doesn't go a long way to covering the cost of most rents, there are other government programs that will also help with those costs.

Latest news

CanadaApr 23, 2026

Immigration minister criticized after policy details shared in influencer interview

Canada’s immigration minister is facing criticism from legal professionals after discussing details of a proposed immigration program during a social media interview before any formal government announcement. Minister Lena Metlege Diab, in an interview with influencer Max Medic, said the federal government is preparing a new pathway to permanent residency for thousands of temporary residents. According to the interview, the proposed program would focus on individuals living outside major metropolitan areas. The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association said in a statement it has sent a letter
one-taken-to-hospital-after-house-fire-in-surreys-newton-area
BCApr 23, 2026

One taken to hospital after house fire in Surrey’s Newton area

A person was taken to hospital after a house fire in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood on Wednesday, according to police. Surrey police said the individual experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke and was transported to hospital for treatment. No update on the person’s condition was immediately available. According to a police statement, officers temporarily closed a section near 72 Avenue and 140 Street following the incident as a safety precaution. The roads were reopened to traffic at 3:25 p.m. after the fire was brought under control. Police said there are no indications of suspicio
wildfire-incidents-rise-across-british-columbia-majority-linked-to-human-activity
BCApr 23, 2026

Wildfire incidents rise across British Columbia, majority linked to human activity

Wildfire activity is increasing across British Columbia, with 15 active fires currently burning in multiple regions, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said two of the fires are classified as out of control, including one in the Cariboo Fire Centre and another in the Prince George Fire Centre. Four of the active fires were reported on Wednesday. Since April 1, a total of 57 wildfires have been recorded across the province. The BC Wildfire Service says 93 per cent of these fires are believed to have been caused by human activity. Active fires are spread across several regions, inc
langley-rcmp-investigating-serious-crash-one-person-in-critical-condition
BCApr 22, 2026

Langley RCMP investigating serious crash; one person in critical condition

Langley RCMP say one person remains in critical, life-threatening condition following a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 264 Street and 24 Avenue on the morning of April 22. According to a Langley RCMP news release, officers were called to the scene at about 8:13 a.m., alongside the Township of Langley Fire Department and the British Columbia Ambulance Service. First responders provided emergency care before transporting the injured individual to hospital. Sgt. Zynal Sharoom said the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service has been deployed to assi
coquihalla-highway-reopens-after-trailer-fire-sparked-roadside-wildfire
BCApr 22, 2026

Coquihalla Highway reopens after trailer fire sparked roadside wildfire

The Coquihalla Highway has reopened between Hope and Merritt after a semi-trailer fire forced a closure for much of Tuesday, according to the provincial government. DriveBC, the Ministry of Transportation’s traveller information service, said the route reopened at about 7 p.m. Tuesday. In a post on the social media platform X, the agency said environmental cleanup was ongoing and advised motorists to use caution when travelling through the area. The highway was փակ Monday night after a semi-trailer became fully engulfed in flames and came to a stop on the right shoulder. The fire spread t

Related News