New Democrats make housing, affordability key priorities in fall legislative session

HALIFAX – As the fall 2024 legislative session winds down, New Democrats continue the fight to ensure all Nova Scotians have a home they can afford and can build a future for themselves here.

Throughout the session, the Nova Scotia NDP brought forward clear solutions to make housing more affordable, address the healthcare crisis and make it easier for Nova Scotians to make ends meet.

“So many Nova Scotians are struggling with the cost of housing in this province, and it’s difficult to watch the Houston government continue to fail the thousands of Nova Scotians who are unable to find and keep housing they can afford,” said NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender. “The Nova Scotia NDP will continue striving for change and pushing the Conservatives to make this province a better place for everyone – not just Tim Houston’s wealthy friends.”

New Democrats tabled 19 bills, including legislation to establish real rent control, close the fixed-term lease loophole, increase the down payment assistance program, and create a renters’ tax credit.

“It’s difficult for many Nova Scotians to afford the basics right now, but we know it doesn’t have to be this way. We can put homes within reach, and make housing, groceries and power more affordable – we just need the political will,” said Chender. “We are at a pivotal moment: do we uphold the status quo and refuse to change the policies that have been harming Nova Scotians, or do we make the necessary changes and work toward a better future? For us, the answer is clear.”

This sitting, New Democrats were able to get Bill 482, the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, passed into law with all-party support. The legislation follows a Mass Casualty Commission recommendation for all levels of government to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.

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