NDP will address housing crisis so families can find an affordable place to live

BRIDGEWATER – Today, NDP Leader Gary Burrill spoke with NDP candidate for Lunenburg Alison Smith and Merydie Ross, NDP candidate for Lunenburg West.

“For eight years the Liberals have done nothing to address the housing crisis that hurts real people and leaves many families without an affordable place to live,” said Burrill. “Skyrocketing rent increases, not enough new affordable housing units, and the rise of short-term rentals have left many people falling behind and without a home.”

Some of the lowest vacancy rates are in areas outside Halifax, including the South Shore, Kings County and Hants County. The housing crisis hits vulnerable populations hardest including women, youth, seniors, 2SLGBTIQ+ people, and persons with disabilities.

“Housing is a consistent issue I hear on the doorstep. People simply can’t find housing they can afford, and parents are worried that their adult children can’t afford to put down roots in the community where they grew up,” said Smith. “Some units that were previously used as housing are now off the market and used as short term rental putting pressure on families who have no place to live.”

Most Canadian families are protected by a form of rent control. Cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have rent control that protects renters from huge, unexpected rent increases.

“The current housing crisis arose under the conditions that housing developers demanded. This situation hurts real people,” said Burrill. “Major cities throughout Canada have rent control and it has not stopped the development of new homes. Real people in Nova Scotia deserve better.”

An NDP government will implement permanent rent control, will build more community housing units and regulate the short-term rental market.

“Iain Rankin doesn’t get it. Families, young people and seniors are worried about having a place to call home,” said Burrill. “Rankin’s plan for increasing housing supply puts more profit into the bank accounts of developers while real people are left in precarious situations or on the street. People in Nova Scotia deserve the same protections that are available in other provinces. It’s time for something better.”

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