The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the provincial government to immediately conduct an audit into the activities, procedures and management of the Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation (GVHC). "The CTF has been informed by several sources of alleged gross mismanagement, nepotism, ethical breaches and serious health risks within the 3,600 rental units owned and managed by the GVHC," stated Sara MacIntyre, BC director for the CTF.

The Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation (GVHC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD). Its mandate is to provide affordable housing for low-moderate income families. The GVHC has over 50 different rental sites across Greater Vancouver, with many units having the federal or provincial government as a funding partner.

"There have been noted concerns with the management and operation of the GVHC since 1994 but little has been done to address these problems. Tenants, staff and operators have repeatedly requested to meet with senior management and members of the GVRD board but have got nowhere. No one accepts responsibility for the rental sites operation. These issues should be of concern to all taxpayers since it is the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation that subsidizes any losses for the GVHC."

"There are reports of staff and contractors living on the rental sites backlogging the waiting list for those that are in need of affordable housing. Black mould growing on ceilings that have been inspected and approved as suitable by engineers and policies that require an electrician be called into change a face plate on a light switch. These are but a few of the specific examples that have been brought to the attention of senior management but with no follow up action."

"Why is the Greater Vancouver Regional District in the business of affordable housing in the first place " asked MacIntyre. The provincial government's Housing Minister Rich Coleman has been critical of the GVRD's role in housing stating 'I am not interested in having a fourth level of government managing housing on the ground.' Given the seriousness and breadth of the Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation's alleged mismanagement the CTF is calling on the provincial government to immediately order a forensic audit of the GVHC," concluded MacIntyre.