Some readers will be old enough to remember this Pilipino phrase : “ Mabuti pa sa inyo ang posporo , may bahay !” It is usually uttered derisively by Filipino parents , up until the 70 ’ s , to their middleaged children who don ’ t have homes of their own , pointing to their lack of diligence and industriousness . In the past , owning a house would indeed be ordinary , provided one is serious about one ’ s means of livelihood . Because of this , the goal to have a place of our own , became very much ingrained in us . However , subsequent political and economic developments made owing houses increasingly more difficult , just as the “ posporo ” ( matchsticks ), likewise , marched steadily out

of fashion . Many things happened to our motherland that made things very difficult for many . For us ,

the solution is to move to other places that will give more opportunities . This is Canada and even here , our desire to own our “ Castle ” persists , supported by the fact that we tend to return to our usual mode of settling down permanently and not be moving around during our career life .

Today , those in Greater Vancouver , discover themselves in the same situation they left in the Philippines , housing-wise . There are many paying more than a third of their pay for rent . A lot are unable to raise the down-payment needed to qualify for a mortgage . Others are locating in far-reaching corners of Greater Vancouver to avoid exorbitant rents and house prices , resulting in their inevitable long commute to work . Additionally , the ability of the young generation to have housing is so reduced that

even one realtor had to acknowledge this fact .

Housing is indeed today ’ s pressing issue for all of us . Social , business and political leaders have all realized this . However , the next steps are still mostly on the discussion table . There have been laws and regulations that discouraged property speculation . There are steps taken to discourage “ empty homes ”. However , these are stop-gap measures and while they will have some impact , they won ’ t be the permanent solutions . Economics have always dictated that prices can only be dampened by increased supply . This is where we can find the real solution .

Much is said about not having any more land to build on . This is a belief that has not been seriously challenged because Vancouver seems rooted in the mindset of either high rises

or single detached houses . Not enough light has been shone on the so called “ missing middle ”, where higher residential density is promoted . Until this happens , housing supply will remain choked and high housing prices will persist .

Much depends on the government . Its leadership ought to embrace the policy that will support increased housing supply . The government itself ought to take a vigorous approach to building housing for the lower wageearners and it cannot be a token number either , like a couple of thousands over 5 years . Increased supply will also not be found in a slow-paced approach to rezoning and permit granting . When fighting a disease , it is not enough that we have the right medicine . The medicine ought to be at the proper dosage and

given at the right time .

Nevertheless , we ought to remain optimistic for a bright future in the housing front , but we Filipino Canadians must work to get it . We can move this a bit by supporting leaders who can deliver . Leaders that have thought this problem through and who have the reputation to deliver a solution . Canada is a true democracy with leaders that can be made accountable to the people . Let ’ s us take advantage of this fact . *** Arnedo ‘ Dodie ’ Lucas is a Manila businessman living with his family in Vancouver . An advocate of a life live fully for everybody . An observer and critic of society , the arts , business , technology , politics and culture . For any comments you can email at dodiecl1 @ mac . com

It ’ s time for British Columbians to share in the benefits of our strong economy .

Today ’ s families work harder than ever , yet many are falling further behind .

Wages have stagnated , part-time and unstable work has replaced good jobs , and people haven ’ t shared in the province ’ s economic prosperity .

People need good paying jobs and the chance to get ahead . We ’ re building a better B . C . with good jobs and a strong , sustainable , and innovative economy that puts people first .

Instead of focusing on one sector to create jobs , we ’ re working to strengthen traditional industries like forestry and mining , while supporting small business , tourism , agriculture , manufacturing , technology and innovation .

We ’ re supporting venture capital investment in B . C . start-ups , and encouraging the growth of B . C . tech companies .

We ’ re supporting small

business , starting with lowering the small business tax rate from 2.5 per cent to 2 per cent . We ’ re creating an Innovation Commission which will be both advocate and ambassador for B . C .’ s tech sector . And an Emerging Economy Task Force will encourage innovative and sustainable industries and drive economic growth .

To make sure the benefits of technology and innovation are felt around the province , we ’ ll work in partnership with rural and northern communities to make strategic investments that support innovation and job growth .

And we ’ ll keep fighting for a fair deal on softwood lumber that is good for B . C . forest workers , our softwood industry , and the communities that depend on it .

Creating good jobs for people doesn ’ t end there . We must invest in people and communities if we want those economic benefits to keep growing . By investing in education ,

skills training and apprenticeships , we can build the current and future workforce businesses depend on . New schools , hospitals , roads and homes for people will give communities the services they need to attract new jobs and investment .

Taking action on climate change - the greatest challenge of our generation - will create thousands of jobs through energy retrofits and public infrastructure . And building strong

communities will improve our quality of life and make B . C . an even better place to live , work , and raise a family .

Together , we will build a better B . C . where everyone benefits

from our economy , resources and environment , and no one is left behind . ( Media contact : Veeno Dewan 778-866-5927 )