NSNDP

November 13th, 2017

NDP Federal Leader joins Nova Scotia NDP Caucus in call for more affordable housing

Jagmeet Singh and Susan Leblanc call on provincial and federal governments to act on affordable housing

DARTMOUTH – NDP MLA for Dartmouth North Susan Leblanc was joined by Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to call on both the provincial and federal governments to do more on affording housing for Nova Scotia.

“Everyday, I hear from people who have to choose between paying their rent and putting food on the table," said Leblanc. "This isn't just a few people facing hard times. Forty-three per cent of households who rent in the HRM spend more than 30 per cent of their income on shelter. This is a major problem for our communities, and it’s a problem the government can help fix.”

In the fall session of the Legislature, the Nova Scotia NDP Caucus introduced a bill that would re-instate rent control in Nova Scotia, limiting rental increases for the 52,000 families who are tenants.

The Liberal government's rent subsidies have gone to just 1280 households over the past two years, while there are 4000 people on the waitlist for public housing.

Federal spending on affordable housing has dropped to $63 per capita in 2013, from $98 in 1993.

"We know finding affordable housing is not only an issue here in the HRM, but a major issue for people across Canada," said Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the Federal NDP. "The provinces and federal government need to work more closely together to come up with real solutions for families."

While he was a Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario and Deputy Leader of the provincial party, Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and the ONDP played an important role in improving the province’s rent control program.