Together for Good

I consider British Columbia to be home. But a few years ago, soon after graduating from the University of British Columbia (UBC), I left home to pursue another degree. As is sometimes the case, this led straight into some incredible work experiences and opportunities, which I stayed away to pursue. But once it came time to put down some roots, I made the decision to return home… but could I?  

 Back then, BC’s cost of living was high but still somewhat manageable. Today, however, fewer people are finding the cost of living manageable, which means many British Columbians in the early stages of their careers don’t have the same kind of choice I had. We have all likely seen recent stories in Vancity Buzz, CBC news, The Globe and Mail and the Financial Post on the effect of our high cost of living – or read Vancity’s report on how our real estate prices are pushing Millennials to leave the province. Some of the reported challenges include affordable housing, incongruous salaries, and ever-increasing food and transportation costs. 

 While there are no simple solutions to these challenges, they nonetheless need to be addressed to help avoid some of the negative and permanent repercussions. Of course, I will be the first to admit that while I don’t have an easy solution, I do have a clear-cut approach.

 Many times, when we look at an issue, we see it in isolation. We review the issue of housing affordability and discuss limiting foreign investment, increasing the housing supply and other similar tactics. Or, when we look at the issue of insufficient income levels, we discuss minimum wage increases and potential personal tax reductions. But, these types of issues can’t be addressed in a vacuum or with a single solution.

 Adjusting housing policies would impact current housing market prices, home ownership levels, jobs in construction and downstream industries and, by association, income levels. As well, new housing developments greatly impact our environment, natural resources, relationships with First Nations, and have significant consequences on BC’s social fabric.

 There is little doubt that increasing minimum wage would place additional burdens on small business owners – potentially increasing the cost of their goods and services.  Rather than help ease the current cost of living, this could perpetuate a higher one, including the cost of housing, and result in a zero-net benefit.  In other words, you cannot address one social issue without it affecting another.  To be effective and create positive change, it’s important to look at all the angles and take a concerted, multi-pronged and thoughtful approach to these issues.

 While there are many local organizations and communities that address housing, poverty and other socio-economic challenges, many of them still work in silos. Then there are BC’s many businesses, of all sizes, that drive the economy and provide a platform for growth. We also have the BC government, which is tasked with representing all of its residents. Finding creative ways to bring them together to address these issues – with an understanding that success can only be achieved through cooperation - will finally enable us to reach a sustainable solution.

 My professional experience and community involvement have taught me that though government is vital in developing policy changes and facilitating discussion, it is community organizations, alliances, businesses, and people that make change happen.

 This is one of the reasons I am running for a position on the Board of Directors for Vancity Credit Union. As a volunteer mediator who has previously handled community disputes, I used this phrase to help each party understand how mediation works: “The best compromise is when each party is equally unhappy.” If each party can adjust just a little, we can make a considerable difference and make it more feasible for those who want to make their home in British Columbia. Let’s make BC work for everyone. Together for Good.

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