For Immediate Release
November 26, 2024
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) says that government should be doing more to protect those on fixed incomes, especially seniors, who are renters. He says that one solution that could be put forward is rent control.
The cost of living crisis continues to burden many across our province, and Dinn says that it’s even heavier for those living on fixed incomes. Dinn calls on government to act and implement clear rent controls that would alleviate the fear of tenants who worry another increase will put them out on the street.
“I continue to hear from seniors calling into my office saying their rent continues to rise, but their OAS payments do not. These seniors live with added stress trying to figure out how they are going to make ends meet,” said Dinn. “Seniors who have contributed to our province do not deserve to live with having to choose to pay rent or buy groceries.”
Despite showing government through letters, town halls, and outreach, Dinn says government would rather look the other way than understand how important rent controls are for tenants, saying instead they have not seen any evidence that rent controls help. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) disagrees.
“Out of Control Rents, a CCPA report released earlier this year, highlighted the benefits of having rent controls in place. They state how rent controls help with long-term affordability, more rights for tenants, and more transparency for the private rental market for both tenants and landlords. This is why we focus on rent controls in our NDP Housing Plan. We need to ensure people stay housed, not just for their well-being, but for the well-being of our communities.
“The Minister has said, ‘Investment in residential rental housing is necessary to help increase rental opportunities for residents. Rent stabilization may deter such critical future investment.’ This is just another example of how government would rather take care of REIT landlords who put profit over fairness. What will it take for this government to stop favouring business and profit, and start thinking about Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are struggling?”
-30-
For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
Comments