For Immediate Release
August 14, 2024
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn and the NDP candidate for Waterford Valley Nicole Boland introduced the NL NDP Housing Plan to combat the growing housing crisis.
Since being elected in 2019, Dinn has worked with constituents on many issues which revolve around the lack of affordable and accessible housing. “In 2019 if someone called my office we would usually be able to help them find a home - for themselves or their families. Now it is near impossible,” said Dinn.
The NL NDP Housing Plan aims to address the housing crisis with policies such as: expanding the First-Time Home Buyers Program, amending the Residential Tenancies Act to include rent caps, prohibit landlords from charging application or holding fees to prospective tenants, rein in the Real Estate Income Trusts (REITs) and create new public housing through the NLHC that will offer affordable rents substantially below market rates.
Nicole Boland, the NDP candidate for Waterford Valley, is a social worker and described the horror stories she deals with when it comes to trying to find housing for people. From seeing cases of frostbite on those having to vacate private shelters in the daytime, to even finding someone living in her shed, Boland emphasizes that the Liberal government is not working to address those who are struggling the most.
“What it comes down to is there is a vast gulf between what the government says and what is reality. And any front-line worker will say the same thing. Working in tent city, navigating the private shelter system and advocating for people who the system continuously fails—this is what we’re dealing with on the ground,” said Boland.
A full copy of the housing plan is attached.
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Media contact: Stephanie Curran, Communications, NDP at 709.727.2866 (m), or communications@nlndp.ca
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