New Democrat Housing Critic holding public meeting Thursday in Merritt

VICTORIA - As the Campbell government abandons manufactured home owners that face unfair rent increases and possible redevelopment, New Democrat housing critic Diane Thorne will be in Merritt Thursday evening to hold a public meeting on protection for home owners.

"The Campbell government has abandoned manufactured home owners in B.C., and they have been critical of local governments that have stepped in to offer protection," said Thorne. "Municipalities in B.C. have been trying to fill the void left by the B.C. Liberals who have done nothing to protect people from losing their homes."Diane Thorne

Thorne said communities are finding the Campbell government would rather speed up evictions in the name of redevelopment than assist municipalities attempting to protect manufactured home owners.

"There is not enough compensation being offered from the Provincial government when it comes to people losing the land for their manufactured homes," said Thorne.

Thorne will be holding the public meeting in Merritt Thursday, May 15 at Hans Golden Wok restaurant in the Best Western at 6:30 pm.

Carole James and New Democrats have been advocating for manufactured home owners and have introduced the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Amendment Act, 2008 which would ensure tenants receive appropriate compensation if their homes cannot be moved.

Thorne will also be visiting Penticton on Friday and Kelowna in June to speak with British Columbian manufactured home owners about their concerns and issues.

Diane Thorne

Coquitlam-Maillardville

Diane Thorne was re-elected as the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville on May 12, 2009. She was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.