For Immediate Release
March 10, 2025
NDP MHA Jordan Brown (Labrador West) says the provincial government continues to pass the buck on the housing crisis in Labrador West. He says the government must take responsibility instead of waiting for the federal government to act.
Brown says Labradorians are fed up with the province offloading its responsibility for housing. He highlights that since 2018, the federal government has rejected five housing projects in Labrador West—all of which were intended for seniors, a group in dire need of housing in the district.
“Last week, the Minister made it clear that not one point in the Liberal five-point housing plan is helping Labradorians access housing,” Brown said in the House of Assembly. “The government’s so-called solution is focused on the island and does nothing for my district. When will this provincial government take responsibility and finally address the housing crisis in Lab West?”
Brown also raised concerns about landlords evicting tenants to take advantage of higher rents paid by companies housing fly-in, fly-out workers. He says the government’s refusal to implement rent control is making the crisis worse.
“Last week, the Minister downplayed the urgency of the housing crisis in Labrador West. We have 0% vacancy,” Brown said. “People are being kicked out with nowhere to go because this government refuses to protect renters with strong rent control measures.”
Brown points to the Out-of-Control Rents report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), which shows how rent control helps prevent predatory rent hikes and eases pressure on the housing market. Yet, Newfoundland and Labrador remains one of the few provinces without rent controls, and the provincial government refuses to take action.
“Why does this government continue to deny renters protection by refusing to implement rent controls?” Brown asked.
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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