[Sheba]

Christy Clark reveals 6 key principles to affordable housing

Premier Christy Clark says her government will lay out a plan to address housing affordability in the province over the coming days and weeks.

In a new address on YouTube, Clark lists six principles the government will consider, including supporting first-time homebuyers and protecting consumers from greedy sales practices.

She says a determined effort must be made by all levels of government because high housing costs are impacting families.

"To make sure that we preserve the dream of owning a home and keeping it in the reach of the middle class," said Clark in the video.

On Sunday, Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Rich Coleman, the province's housing minister are set to announce funding for the issue at a media event on Hastings Street in Vancouver at 2:30 p.m. PT.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said he wants the province to co-operate in collecting an empty homes tax; Robertson hopes to create more rental housing instead of letting investment properties sit dormant while his city's living costs soar.

YouTube link (see if you can watch it without rolling your eyes)