VANCOUVER, BC (April 19, 2021) – Media are advised that Jill Atkey, CEO of BC Non-Profit Housing Association, and Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, will be available for interviews on the 2021 BC Budget following its release Tuesday, April 20.

The government’s first budget since the start of the pandemic is expected to show a deficit as the province continues to grapple with COVID-19 while ensuring B.C. residents’ health and safety – and eying an economic recovery.

Atkey and Armstrong can speak with reporters on measures to address the housing affordability crisis and the unique concerns of the community housing sector. More than a year into the pandemic that has exposed deep inequalities in our housing and health systems, the need for safe, secure and affordable housing has never been greater. Both Armstrong and Atkey will be in the budget lockdown on April 20^th, and watching closely for specific plans to strengthen supports for B.C.’s housing co-ops, as well as funding and other measures to protect the renters, young people and marginalized communities who are at the greatest risk from COVID-19 and to move forward on the government’s plans to build 114,000 units of affordable housing.

For more information, or to set up an interview, please contact:

Sarah Payne, Content Editor
778-839-7773
sarah@bcnpha.ca

About Housing Central: Housing Central brings together BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA), the Co-op Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC), Co-op Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada), Encasa Financial, Community Land Trust and COHO Management Services Society. Housing Central collaborates on cross-sector partnerships that help influence policy and delivers world-class education and events to support its vision of a safe, affordable home for everyone.

About BCNPHA: BC Non-Profit Housing Association is the provincial umbrella organization for the non-profit housing sector; it is comprised of over 600 members, including non-profit housing societies, businesses, individuals, partners and stakeholders. Together, non-profit housing societies manage more than 60,000 units of long-term, affordable housing in over 2,500 buildings across the province.

About CHF BC: CHF BC is a co‐operative association made up of member housing co‐ops and related organizations in BC. The association represents 264 co‐op communities (comprising more than 14,500 households) across the province.