Sample Letter to the Opposition Critic for Housing and Social Development

(Please copy, edit and mail)

  • [Date]
  • [Address of strata owner]
  • Mr. Shane Simpson
  • Opposition Critic for Housing & Social Development
  • Room 201
  • Parliament Buildings
  • Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Dear Mr. Simpson:

Re: Bill 8 Missed the Mark

You are aware that the Campbell government recently passed Bill 8 – The Strata Property Amendment Act, 2009.

Although Bill 8 may improve access to dispute resolution mechanisms and disclosure of strata information, many serious issues remain. Some of them are:

    1. Lack of provisions to deter or prevent strata disputes, including:
  • a. Lack of prosecution of strata developers acting contrary to law,
  • b. Absence of an enforceable code of ethics and conduct for strata property managers that advise and sometimes control strata councils,
  • c. Lack of a publicly available authoritative source of legislation interpretation to enable strata corporations to operate according to law, and
  • d. Lack of specific offences and penalties for those who refuse to act according to law.

    • 2. The backlog of existing cases in the Provincial Court that will now have the added burden of resolving strata disputes under Bill 8, and

    3. [This list of concerns to be amended by the strata owner.]

          The government has not engaged in any transparent form of public consultation on strata legislation and it shows in Bill 8.

          It used “private” and “confidential” communication with its selection of real estate industry insiders. This was not “public” consultation and was undemocratic. I am very unhappy that there has been no proper public review of legislation that affects me and my largest investment, my home.

          I am one of many British Columbians whose property and lifestyle are affected by seriously incomplete and out of date strata legislation. I urge you to continue to pressure the government to undertake a comprehensive and public review of this legislation.

    Sincerely,

    [Name of strata owner]