The federal government has allocated $2 billion to help fund housing projects in British Columbia, a new program aimed at building thousands of rental homes on unused public lands, which will then be provided to middle-income earners living in those communities.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the funds at a press conference with British Columbia Premier David Eby and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim in Vancouver this Tuesday morning.

This is part of Trudeau's schedule this morning following the announcement, then heading to a local high school to meet students before an event at a community center with seniors in the afternoon.

Eby said last week at a housing-related press conference that he recently spoke with Trudeau about housing initiatives in British Columbia, and there appears to be federal interest in what the province is planning.

Trudeau's announcement comes as policymakers return to British Columbia, where the legislature begins its spring session.

The Prime Minister explained that the upcoming session will see his government introduce 20 new pieces of legislation and a budget focused on helping families facing rising living costs.

The provincial government issued legislation last fall to restrict short-term rentals and build more housing around transit areas, and housing is expected to be the main focus again this spring.