Houston government fails to address housing crisis in fall sitting

HALIFAX – The fall sitting of the legislature ended today with little to help everyday Nova Scotians afford their homes.

Despite the growing number of Nova Scotians struggling to find and keep a home they can afford, the Houston government continues to ignore their needs, instead favouring their wealthy friends.

Tim Houston’s record on housing:

• Failed to implement real rent control.
• Made it easier for landlords to evict renters.
• Left the fixed-term lease loophole wide open.
• Extended a rent cap higher than any other in Canada, and more than double the rate of inflation.

Meanwhile, New Democrats brought forth a number of sensible solutions throughout the session to address the housing crisis.

Claudia Chender’s record on housing:

• Continued the fight for real rent control.
• Introduced legislation to close the fixed-term lease loophole.
• Recommended the creation of a task force to address homelessness.
• Urged the government to create a residential tenancies enforcement unit.
• Brought forward measures to limit evictions and prioritize building affordable homes.
• Called for a renters’ tax credit and the doubling of the downpayment assistance program.
• Proposed our Homes Within Reach plan to ensure every Nova Scotian can find and keep a home they can afford.

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