VICTORIA - Amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act introduced today will increase protection for people buying new homes in B.C., Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman announced.

"With B.C.'s booming construction industry, it is important to ensure homeowner protection legislation is strong and fair," said Coleman. "These changes will provide consistency and improve the quality of construction in British Columbia."

The amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act:
* Strengthen licensing requirements for residential builders;
* Require anyone wishing to build a home under the owner-builder exemption to meet more stringent criteria;
* Strengthen enforcement provisions, including compliance orders and penalties; and
* Provide an internal review and independent appeal process for both licensed builders and owner builders.

"We welcome the changes to the Homeowner Protection Act," said Chris Ricketts, past president of the Canadian Home Builders Association of B.C. "The Canadian Home Builders Association of B.C. has worked diligently to help facilitate these changes. The new regulations will reduce black-market construction activity and give homebuyers the confidence they need in the professionalism of our members."

Extensive consultations occurred with the residential construction industry, consumer representatives, and a committee of residential industry representatives. In addition, community meetings were held across B.C. to allow consumer groups and industry representatives to comment on the proposed changes.