Housing Q&A: Karen Wang, B.C. Liberals

The Burnaby NOW sent the following five questions on housing to each of the Burnaby candidates.

Candidates were asked to answer each question in 50 words or less. 

Here are the answers from Karen Wang, running for the B.C. Liberals in Burnaby-Deer Lake.

1.  What city do you live in, and what neighbourhood in that city?

I live in Burnaby, and the three daycare centres which I operate are also in Burnaby.

2.  Do you rent or own your own home?

I own my home.

3.  If you own a home, when did you buy it? How has the current housing market situation impacted you?

With the rise of property taxes, and a lack of affordable housing in Burnaby, I believe we are all impacted to some degree.  I have been fortunate to have opportunities to grow my business and raise a family here in Burnaby.  I hope to keep this city vibrant so other young families can prosper.

4. If you rent, or have another housing arrangement, how has the current housing market situation impacted you?

Not applicable

5.  If there is one single policy that the next provincial government can enact to address a housing need, what would that policy be? Be specific.

Burnaby currently has a rental vacancy rate of 0.8%. Until the supply of housing increases, affordable rental units will continue to be an issue. I will work with B.C. Housing, the City of Burnaby, and other stakeholders to advocate for more affordable rental units. Additionally, we want to help first-time home buyers enter the market through programs like the B.C. HOME Partnership Program, which can save thousands of dollars in interest payments.