News Release
Ministry of Municipal Affairs
File Number: MA 98-017
Date: April 17, 1998

DAVE BARRETT APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE LEAKY CONDO PROBLEM

VICTORIA -- Former B.C. premier Dave Barrett will head a commission of inquiry into the quality of condominium construction in British Columbia with particular focus on the issue of leaky condominiums, Municipal Affairs Minister Jenny Kwan announced today.

Barrett will listen to the concerns of condominium owners and will hear the submissions from different sectors of the condominium industry. The commission's mandate is to inquire into the adequacy of protection for, and accountability to, home buyers for faulty condominium construction. The commission will also inquire into the causes of the leaky condo problem.

"I expect commissioner Barrett to find out who is responsible for this terrible situation and make recommendations about what can be done to hold them accountable," said Kwan. "I want practical recommendations for future legislation so this problem never happens again.

"I'm here to find out who caused this mess and what needs to be done in order to clean it up," said Barrett. "It's important that those responsible for leaky condos be held accountable for their actions. I've been asked to listen to the people affected and make sure they have a voice in developing the solutions."

The commissioner's report will be submitted by May 29. British Columbians can contact the commission by phone at (604) 844-3122, by fax at (604) 844-1888 or by e-mail at leakycondos@bc.sympatico.ca. A full schedule of public consultations will be released next week.

- 30 -

Contact:
Erik Kaye
Ministry of Municipal Affairs
(250) 387-4089 (Victoria)
e-mail: pabrecp@hq.marh.gov.bc.ca

Terms of reference attached

Last Updated: November 25, 2003