BC’s Ministry of Finance has responded to criticism about the elimination of the northern and rural home owner benefit.
The Ministry says it was introduced to help offset the impact of the consumer carbon tax, recognizing that people living in northern and rural parts of the province were disproportionately impacted due to things like traveling farther distances and needing to warm homes for longer parts of the year.
It says because that tax has been eliminated, it has decided to eliminate the northern and rural home owner benefit as well beginning in 2027.
The Ministry says the home owner grant will now be the same across British Columbia.
“For 2026, 92% of home owners will continue to be eligible for the grant, with an additional grant for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
The Ministry says it will continue to provide this support, just like it supports renters and provide cost of living relief to those who need it the most.
