Appendices

Appendix 2: OHCS Clients and Services Provided

Aboriginal Peoples — As part of the New Relationship and the Transformative Change Accord signed with First Nations and the federal government, the Province is committed to measures that will help close the social and economic gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in British Columbia. The Office works with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, the Leadership Council, and the Aboriginal Management Housing Association to develop strategies and programs to address the significant housing needs of Aboriginal peoples in this province.

The Homeless — The Provincial Homelessness Initiative provides a continuum of housing and support services to help people break the cycle of homelessness. The Office provides policy advice and support for the Emergency Shelter Program administered by BC Housing.

The Office is also working with non-profit organizations to implement the province-wide homelessness outreach program.

The Office supports the Rental Assistance Program which provides direct cash assistance to eligible low-income working families with youth under the age of nineteen.

Homeowners and B.C.'s Construction and Building Industry — The Office promotes safety in the design, construction and occupancy of buildings. It does this through stewardship of building regulations (including the BC Building Code and BC Fire Code) and through governance of aspects of the building safety regulatory system.

The Office administers the safety provisions of the Safety Standards Act and Regulations to the BC Safety Authority and some local governments.

Landlords and Tenants — The Residential Tenancy Branch strives to support a balance between landlords and tenants with respect to their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act. The Branch provides landlords and tenants with information about their rights and responsibilities, and dispute resolution services, including adjudication.

Local Governments — Some local governments have asked the Province to approve new building regulation in their jurisdictions, in areas such as adaptable housing. In response to these requests, the Office has formed a multi-stakeholder working group for each area of new regulation. The groups will make recommendations that meet the needs of local governments, industry and consumers, while supporting consistent building regulation across B.C.

Seniors — The Office provides policy support for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program which helps make rents affordable for B.C. seniors with low to moderate incomes. This program provides monthly cash payments to subsidize rents for eligible B.C. residents who are age 60 or over.

Vulnerable/Low Income Households — The Office provides policy analysis and advice and works in partnership with all levels of government and stakeholders to address the full housing continuum. A primary focus is ensuring B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens, including frail seniors, people with mental illness or physical disabilities, those with drug and alcohol addictions, women with their children fleeing violence, and the homeless or those at risk of homelessness have improved access to housing assistance.