Eviction ban expires, thousands of people to face eviction

HALIFAX - The residential eviction ban put in place in response to COVID-19 expires today.

“The McNeil Liberals need to extend the ban on evictions,” said Lisa Roberts, NDP Housing Spokesperson. “So many people are still struggling, CERB will end soon, and more layoffs are being announced each day. No one should be homeless or forced to move as a result of the pandemic.”

The Investment Property Owners Association has estimated that there are more than 2000 households that will face eviction proceedings in the weeks ahead.

“Before COVID-19 we were already in a housing crisis with people facing massive rent increases and a major shortage of affordable housing,” said Roberts. “As people get evicted, it’s not clear where they will go; the Liberal government has lots of options available that would help renters who are in arrears, such as emergency rent support or facilitating the negotiation of fair repayment plans.”

The NDP Caucus has proposed legislation to implement rent controls to stop massive rent increases, and has called for more investment in affordable housing.

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