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VICTORIA — The British Columbia government will offer financial relief to renters and landlords to ensure people have safe homes during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Premier John Horgan said Wednesday.

Horgan said the government will provide a monthly rebate of up to $500 to help cover rents or portions of rents during the coming months. Evictions have also been suspended along with all rent increases.

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People are being told to self-isolate at home during the pandemic and the possibility of being evicted must be prevented, he said.

“We don’t want people to think that they may lose that home as a result of the pandemic,” Horgan said at a news conference.

He said the $500 will be paid directly to landlords.

Tenants who lose their jobs due to the pandemic or who must self-isolate can apply for the rebate in the coming days, Horgan said.

The funding for the rental protection program will come from a $5-billion fund the B.C. government recently announced, he said.