Affordable housing providers have been calling for strong financial reporting processes that function effectively across the sector.
Unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations | Vancouver, B.C. (May 9, 2023) – BC Non-Profit Housing Association supports the recommendations resulting from the investigation of BC Housing.
The report findings of significant breaches of conflict-of-interest protocols are deeply concerning to the sector, just as they are to British Columbians, despite the report noting that there was no enrichment of individuals.
On Monday, BCNPHA hosted a roundtable discussion with leaders of non-profit housing organizations to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations. Providers and BCNPHA CEO Jill Atkey reflected on the incredible work of Atira staff in expanding and operating affordable and supportive housing for women, many of whom have complex and intersecting challenges. The sector widely recognizes that Atira has stepped in to manage some of the most challenging forms of affordable housing and has worked for decades supporting those who have been most marginalized.
We were encouraged that both Premier David Eby and Minister of Housing Hon. Ravi Kahlon expressed support for the non-profit housing sector and its capacity to deliver a wide range of affordable housing options for diverse communities across B.C., and that they will not waiver from their plans to continue investing in affordable housing solutions for all British Columbians. The non-profit sector is comprised of thousands of British Columbians who are committed to meeting the housing and support needs in communities large and small, and we share British Columbia’s goal of expanding these services.
Non-profit housing providers already operate with good financial oversight and ongoing reporting requirements that ensure their operations are conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The recommendations – including more frequent financial reporting, a formal reporting structure and expected timelines and a simplified, more efficient funding model – will strengthen this oversight and are in line with what housing providers themselves have requested for several years.
BCNPHA will work closely with BC Housing to implement the recommendations and ensure that additional oversight is streamlined, efficient and where necessary, comes with additional resources while also ensuring that people remain at the core of the sector’s work.