Premier David Eby says B.C.’s condo purchase plan will help more people own homes, not rescue Vancouver developers, as details continue to emerge.

Eby Pushes Back Against Bailout Claims

British Columbia Premier David Eby says the province’s proposed condo purchase program is designed to help people enter the housing market—not rescue struggling developers.

The plan, announced with Prime Minister Mark Carney last week, would allow the federal and provincial governments to support the purchase of up to 2,200 unsold condominiums across B.C. Those homes would then be offered through a rent-to-own program.

However, the announcement quickly sparked criticism. Opposition parties at both the provincial and federal levels argued that the proposal amounts to a financial lifeline for developers left with unsold inventory.

Vancouver Not the Focus, Says Eby

Eby rejected those claims during a news conference in Victoria. He explained that the program is unlikely to include Vancouver because prices remain too high.

“The numbers don’t work there,” he said.

Instead, he pointed to communities south of the Fraser River, along with Vancouver Island and the Okanagan, as places where the government could purchase vacant homes below the cost of building new ones.

As a result, the program could create more affordable paths to homeownership while making better use of existing housing.

Government Admits Announcement Came Too Soon

Eby also acknowledged that the rollout happened before all of the details were ready.

He said the federal government was eager to announce the initiative. Consequently, public discussion shifted toward speculation instead of the program’s intended benefits.

“In hindsight, we should have waited until all the details were available,” Eby said.

Even so, he believes the proposal could give many British Columbians a chance to own a home when they otherwise could not.

Bulk Purchases Could Lower Costs

Critics questioned how the government could claim it would buy homes below market value when many of the units remain unsold.

Eby responded by saying governments have access to opportunities that individual buyers do not. For example, they can negotiate bulk purchases or acquire entire buildings during bankruptcy proceedings. Therefore, the province expects to secure prices well below construction costs.

He also stressed that developers would likely absorb financial losses rather than receive extra profits through the program.

Plan Could Still Change

Although Eby defended the proposal, he made it clear that the government is not committed to moving ahead if public support fades.

“If people hate it, that’s OK,” he said. “We don’t have to do it.”

Nevertheless, he remains confident the approach could expand homeownership without increasing costs for taxpayers because the mortgages would become public assets.

Eby Rejects Tax Break Alternative

The premier also argued that developers favour a different solution altogether.

He pointed to an open letter from the Urban Development Institute calling for the removal of the GST on new homes.

According to Eby, that proposal would represent a genuine bailout because it would improve developers’ profits through tax relief. By contrast, he said the condo purchase plan requires developers to accept lower returns while helping more people buy homes.

Federal and Provincial Funding Explained

Prime Minister Mark Carney later shared more financial details about the initiative.

Under the proposal, the federal government would contribute roughly $145 million, representing 10 per cent of the estimated $1.45-billion program. British Columbia would provide a matching contribution of nearly $145 million. The remaining funding would come through financing.

Eby confirmed those figures during Thursday’s announcement.

Meanwhile, B.C.’s Housing Ministry said discussions with federal officials and industry stakeholders are continuing. More information will be released once the final structure of the program is complete.

What’s Next?

The proposed condo purchase program remains under development, and several key details still need to be finalized. Meanwhile, debate continues over whether the initiative will improve housing affordability or create unnecessary government involvement in the housing market.

For now, Eby insists the goal is simple: help more British Columbians become homeowners while ensuring taxpayers receive long-term value from the investment.

Three people died after a wildfire aircraft crashed near Fort Simpson, N.W.T. Investigators are now examining what caused the tragic accident.

Three Lives Lost in Wildfire Mission Near Fort Simpson

A tragic plane crash has claimed the lives of three people during a wildfire response in the Northwest Territories.

The aircraft, a Turbo Commander 690 serving as a bird dog plane, went down on Wednesday evening about 50 kilometres from Fort Simpson, west of Yellowknife. Sadly, emergency crews found no survivors.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that three people were on board when the aircraft crashed. Officers are now helping recover the victims while several agencies work to determine exactly what happened.

Aircraft Played Key Role in Fighting Wildfires

The aircraft was not used to drop water or fire retardant. Instead, it acted as an airborne command centre that guided firefighting operations from above.

Officials with N.W.T. Fire said they became aware of the emergency after the plane failed to return as expected and was reported overdue.

At the time of the crash, the aircraft was supporting crews battling a wildfire in the Marten Hills area.

Investigation Now Underway

Investigators have already begun examining the crash.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent a team to the scene to gather evidence and determine what caused the accident. Meanwhile, the Northwest Territories Coroner Service is also taking part in the investigation.

Authorities have not released the identities of those who died.

Buffalo Airways Mourns Crew Member

Buffalo Airways confirmed that one of its Turbo Commander 690 aircraft was involved in the incident.

Later, the company shared the heartbreaking news that one of its aerial firefighting pilots lost their life while helping battle the wildfire west of Fort Simpson.

The airline honoured those who died, calling them heroes who were serving their communities during a dangerous wildfire mission.

The company also said it will work closely with the families before announcing plans to remember the victims.

Wildfire Continues to Burn

The aircraft had been assigned to support firefighting efforts in the Marten Hills area, where an out-of-control wildfire started on Tuesday.

According to the territorial government, the naturally caused fire had grown to about one square kilometre.

Fire crews continue working to contain the blaze while also mourning the loss of their colleagues.

Community Pays Tribute

N.W.T. Fire expressed its condolences to the families, friends, coworkers, and the wider wildfire community.

The agency said those who lost their lives while serving on the front lines will be honoured at an appropriate time and in keeping with the wishes of their families.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared his condolences, offering support to the families of the pilot and the two firefighters who died.

He thanked wildfire crews across Canada for their courage and sacrifice, noting that protecting Canadians from wildfires often comes with significant personal risk.

A Sobering Reminder of the Risks

Wildland firefighting remains one of Canada’s most demanding and dangerous jobs. While crews work tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and forests, this tragedy highlights the risks they face every day.

As investigators search for answers, communities across the Northwest Territories are remembering three people who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting others.