Workplace Inequality, All-Encompassing Inflation and Local Holiday Light Displays

Each month Spraggs Law publishes Vancouver Legal News, a curated selection of articles about legal issues being discussed in the news. This month we start off with survey results pointing to gender biases in the workplace, followed by details on how Canada's rising inflation rates will affect B.C. renters and homeowners, wrapping up winter road safety tips and the best holiday light displays featured throughout the Tri-City and Metro Vancouver area.

Workplace Equality (or Lack Thereof)

A recent survey points to gender bias in the workplace

The majority of women surveyed by Randstad Canada claimed to have experienced gender-based inequality in their workplaces, ranging from lack of opportunity for promotion to being subjected to unfair policies and unequal pay.

New Year, New Expenses

Prepare to take a hit on your grocery bills next year

COVID-19 and climate change related supply chain shortages are blamed for increasing costs for consumers. While inflation will affect all Canadians, British Columbians can expect to pay even more than some provinces for groceries in 2022.

Vancouver property tax increases for homeowners

As part of The City of Vancouver's approved budget for the new year, Vancouver homeowners can expect to see a 6.35% property tax increase in 2022.

Homeowners planning to replace their reliance on natural gas with solar or electrical heating may be able to offset some costs with B.C.'s retrofit rebates. Still, critics explain that the overall costs of eligible retrofits make the most CO2-reducing upgrades too costly an endeavour for many homeowners.

Vancouver tenants face further rent increases

Vancouver has recently been crowned the most expensive rental market in Canada – a title the city is forecasted to keep into 2022. So as many Vancouverites seek to find properties with less exorbitant rental costs, here's what all Vancouver tenants should be prepared to pay more for in the new year.

Homeownership is growing farther out of reach

Despite rising costs for Canadians, BC real estate is still a hot commodity, and rising valuations and growing demand make homeownership less feasible for first-time homebuyers. The impossibility of homeownership for many Canadians is a growing conundrum that is being blamed, at least partly, on investors.

A family home turns into a family feud

Rising living costs and a tight rental market can lead to growing tensions between family members who co-own properties or rent their homes to relatives. Such is the case for this B.C. Grandmother and her son, battling over their rights to a townhouse.

Safely Enjoy These Holiday Light Displays

Safety first

Coquitlam RCMP reminds drivers to take these easy and potentially life-saving precautions this winter.

Local holiday light displays to enjoy

While you're out and about, check out these sparkling holiday light displays created by Vancouver residents and businesses.

Tri-City light displays

Metro Vancouver light displays

Extraordinary residential light displays in Metro Vancouver

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season from our family and team at Spraggs Law to yours!

What Do You Think?

What do you think about these updates affecting Vancouver citizens, homeowners, and renters across Canada? If you have questions about employment law, personal injury law, or your rights as a tenant or landlord for the team at Spraggs, we'd love to hear from you. Contact one of our lawyers in Vancouver today.