British Columbia

Christy Clark reveals 6 key principles to affordable housing

Video promises a plan that will keep the dream of owning a home alive for B.C. residents.

'It's time for determined effort, one that includes all level of government,' says B.C. premier on YouTube

Christy Clark posted a 2:13 video on YouTube on June 24, 2016 that promises a plan to keep the dream of owning a home alive for B.C. residents. (Government of B.C./YouTube)

Premier Christy Clark says her government will lay out a plan to address housing affordability in the province over the coming days and weeks.

In a new address on YouTube, Clark lists six principles the government will consider, including supporting first-time homebuyers and protecting consumers from greedy sales practices.

She says a determined effort must be made by all levels of government because high housing costs are impacting families.

"To make sure that we preserve the dream of owning a home and keeping it in the reach of the middle class," said Clark in the video.

On Sunday, Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Rich Coleman, the province's housing minister are set to announce funding for the issue at a media event on Hastings Street in Vancouver at 2:30 p.m. PT.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said he wants the province to co-operate in collecting an empty homes tax; Robertson hopes to create more rental housing instead of letting investment properties sit dormant while his city's living costs soar.