Liberals Block Ethics Probe Into B.C. Condo Buyout Plan

Liberal Members of Parliament used their majority on the House of Commons ethics committee to shut down a Conservative-led attempt to investigate a joint federal-provincial initiative in British Columbia. The program involves the purchase of 2,200 vacant condominiums to be converted into affordable housing using a rent-to-own model. The initiative is funded by the federal government through Build Canada Homes and the B.C. government through BC Housing, with a total estimated cost between $1.4 billion and $1.45 billion.

Mark Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby denied allegations from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre that the program is a bailout for developers. Opposition members, including the NDP, argued the plan rewards billionaire developers and raises ethical questions regarding conflicts of interest, specifically citing Carney's former role as chairman of Brookfield Asset Management and reports that developers attended a Liberal fundraiser in February. Carney admitted the government performed a "poor job" during the program's rollout but denied being directly lobbied by developers.

During the committee meeting, Liberal MP Fares Al Soud moved to adjourn the debate, effectively blocking the motion tabled by Conservative MP Aaron Gunn to summon officials and developers for testimony. Housing Minister Gregor Robertson defended the move, stating the program secures move-in-ready units faster and more cheaply than new construction. Despite the block, Conservative members stated they will continue to press the government for transparency regarding the primary beneficiaries of the policy.