Unpacking the BC Housing Scandal: Where is the Money Going?

 Unpacking the BC Housing Scandal: Where is the Money Going?

For years, British Columbians have been struggling to find affordable housing, with waitlists for subsidized homes stretching anywhere from three to ten years. As of December 2023, nearly 20,000 households—primarily seniors and families—remain in limbo, hoping for a roof over their heads. Yet, despite the billions poured into housing initiatives, the problem persists. Why? A recent audit of BC Housing suggests mismanagement and conflicts of interest may be playing a significant role in the crisis.

The BC Housing Scandal: A Closer Look

In May 2023, a forensic audit conducted by Ernst & Young exposed serious mismanagement within BC Housing, implicating former CEO Shayne Ramsay and his wife, Janice Abbott, who leads Atira Women's Resource Society. The audit found that Ramsay steered funding toward Atira, which saw its funding increase from $17 million in 2016 to over $74 million by 2022—without proper oversight or competitive processes. Atira was also found to have bypassed traditional funding channels, directly negotiating with senior BC Housing officials to secure more funding.

Deleting Messages, Dodging Accountability

The audit revealed that both Ramsay and former Chief Financial Officer Abbas Barodawalla routinely deleted text messages related to these financial transactions, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. While there is no evidence of personal financial gain, the lack of oversight and clear conflicts of interest suggest a systemic failure in ensuring public funds are used effectively.

Government Response: Is It Enough?

In the wake of these revelations, the provincial government has implemented several measures to restore accountability:

Freezing new funding to Atira until a full review is completed.

Suspending renewals of operating agreements with Atira while investigations continue.

Conducting physical inspections of Atira-operated housing units to assess their condition and management.

Launching a whistleblower hotline to encourage staff and the public to report any further misconduct.

Strengthening conflict-of-interest policies within BC Housing to prevent similar issues in the future.

The Bigger Question: Where Is the Money Going?

Despite these corrective measures, the core issue remains—how is it possible for billions to be funneled into housing programs while people remain unhoused? BC Housing is not the only organization receiving substantial government funding without delivering visible results. If Atira was able to secure such significant funding without proper accountability, how many other organizations might be benefiting from similar loopholes?

The housing crisis in BC isn't just about a lack of units; it's about a lack of transparency, oversight, and political will to ensure funds reach those who need them most. With growing public pressure, the government must ensure that all housing initiatives are scrutinized, and that taxpayer dollars are spent on real solutions—not on organizations mired in controversy.

What Can You Do?

If you’re concerned about housing corruption and mismanagement in BC, here are some ways to take action:

Contact your local MLA and demand increased oversight on housing funding.

Stay informed by following investigative journalism on BC Housing and other subsidized housing programs.

Support grassroots organizations that advocate for transparent and effective housing policies.

Share stories of individuals affected by the housing crisis to raise awareness.

This isn’t just about BC Housing or Atira—it’s about ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our society receive the support they desperately need. The housing crisis won’t be solved overnight, but by exposing corruption and demanding accountability, we can push for real change.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you or someone you know been affected by the long waitlists for affordable housing?