Fiona Simons

West Coaster. Climate & clean energy at Deloitte. Former Director of Policy to 🇨🇦’s Minister of Energy & Natural Resources.

[Gregor Robertson @gregorrobertson]

Let’s talk about our plan to convert empty units in B.C. into affordable homes. 

In B.C. there are thousands of homes that are empty while thousands of British Columbians are looking for affordable homes. Build Canada Homes is going to work with the B.C. government to fix that – by turning empty units, into affordable homes. 

As we build up supply, this is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get people into homes. Through this partnership, we will acquire units in bulk, at a discount to market value, at a time when prices and sales are already both low. 

We could leave these units sitting empty or we could take action that will provide much needed affordable housing to 2,200 families and individuals. More details on the conversion of units to affordable housing will be available in the coming months.

This is one of the many tools we are using to increase access to affordable housing and only one element of our landmark agreement with British Columbia to invest in local infrastructure and build affordable homes.  Reports that this will cost $3.2 billion are getting the facts wrong – that is what we are investing in B.C. to build more infrastructure like water systems, wastewater systems and local roads, while bringing down development charges to make homebuilding more affordable. 

We know we need more affordable homes across Canada – and that is why we launched Build Canada Homes. Since launching we have announced over 11,000 homes across 14 partnerships. Already, 4,500 units have started construction or are set to break ground in the next three months. In B.C. that partnership is delivering on 1,100 new homes, including 700 which will be supportive and transitional. Paired with our plan to reduce development charges so that we can lower down the cost of building, we are creating the conditions for more homes to be build across the country.

To end this housing crisis, we need to use every available tool: build new supply, protect rentals, support infrastructure, and bring empty homes into use faster.

[Mark Carney @MarkJCarney]

With our new National Electricity Strategy, we will power Canada strong with clean, affordable, reliable energy.

[Jesse McCormick @jessecmccormick]

The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson (@JonathanWNV) has made an enduring contribution to advancing the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples while serving in the federal cabinet.

His leadership and thoughtful policy work will continue to resonate for many years to come.

[Jonathan Wilkinson 🇨🇦 @JonathanWNV]

Pierre Poilievre's Climate Plan:

#Debate2025

[Fiona Simons @fionacsimons]

A true public servant. Proud of my old boss. 🇨🇦

[Jonathan Wilkinson 🇨🇦 @JonathanWNV]

I am announcing today that I will not be seeking the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada.

[Alex Ballingall 🫨 @aballinga]

New study concludes that carbon pricing contributed to a 0.5 per cent increase in prices since 2019, a period of time in which overall prices went up 19 per cent.
Our story on what the study authors called carbon pricing's "minimal impact" on inflation: https://t.co/JDS4yWLGxQ

[Jacques Poitras @poitrasCBC]

🚨🚨🚨 NB Premier Susan Holt announces her cabinet has repealed the section of Regulation 84-20 that prohibited the Medicare funding of procedural abortions in clinics outside hospitals. Holt is holding the cabinet order.

[Fiona Simons @fionacsimons]

@zakvescera Glad you were one of the few who got my BC elxn PSA questions.

[Fiona Simons @fionacsimons]

I too am frustrated by @Dave_Eby’s comments today but perfection shouldn’t be the enemy of progress and we can’t go backwards. The @bcndp have a strong track record on climate, and a solid plan, certainly more than can be said for the climate-denying @JohnRustad4BC.

[Andrew Weaver @AJWVictoriaBC]

I just got contacted by numerous #bcpoli media outlets saying that @Dave_Eby is now copying @theJagmeetSingh. What a disappointment.

Eby is clearly more concerned about politics than about people — British Columbians deserve a Premier who will be straight up with them.

Its clear to me that John Rustad is to be trusted more on the climate file than Eby. I’ll be supporting @JohnRustad4BC and @Stephen_Andrew in #obgh in this upcoming election. #bcpoli

[Marsha Lederman @marshalederman]

Rotten news: @CityofVancouver announces that Kits Pool will be closed all summer.

[Mike Burton @Mikefromregina]

If you consider yourself "middle class" and have maxed out your RRSP, TFSA and realized over $250,000 in gains on your investments in a single given year, you're probably not as middle class as you think.

[Fiona Simons @fionacsimons]

@rjcsmith @DOXAFestival @plasticpeople_ Bought my ticket! Looking forward to it.

[Fiona Simons @fionacsimons]

As those who know her know well, @ninalothian has done an incredible service to advancing climate action in Canada and we are all better off as a result of her work at ECCC. Congratulations on such an impactful run, I’m lucky to have learned so much from you.

[Sean Fraser @SeanFraserMP]

You are Kenough.

[Jonathan Wilkinson 🇨🇦 @JonathanWNV]

For months, Canadian workers, environmental leaders, industry, and youth have called on Parliament to pass Bill C-50.

Today we did exactly that.

The Sustainable Jobs Act has passed the House.

It will ensure workers have a seat at the table as we build a sustainable future.

[Josie Osborne 🇨🇦 @Josie_Osborne]

You matter to me.
🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️
Join me in helping make B.C. a safe and welcoming place for transgender, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people and in celebrating the diversity of our Province!
#TransDayOfVisibility #TDOV2024 #TDOV

[Justin Trudeau @JustinTrudeau]

The Canada Carbon Rebate puts hundreds of dollars back in Canadians’ pockets every quarter. Oddly, some Premiers are against that – and they want to scrap your rebates.

Here’s what I had to say about that:

[Fiona Simons @fionacsimons]

@blakeoliver13 Amen, sister

[Josie Osborne 🇨🇦 @Josie_Osborne]

We ❤️ heat pumps… they’re an efficient and cost-effective way to heat + cool homes. Good to see positive signals from Ottawa for more cooperation in helping British Columbians to make the switch to BC’s clean electricity and enjoy the year-round comfort of heat pumps. 👇🏼