Rent Control Implementation - QP

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Yesterday, media reported that some of the most affordable rentals in the city have gone up in price by more than 40 per cent in the last four years. Renters are struggling as costs soar. There are many things the government can do to help if only they had the political will to act. My question to the minister is: Will the minister commit to implementing rent control and bringing in an enforcement branch so renters and rental markets can be insulated from some of the shocks that will come, starting today, with the tariffs?

HON. JILL BALSER » : We know that Nova Scotians are concerned and scared. They know we are a government that is going to be there for them, especially during this challenging point in time. We do have a Residential Tenancies Program, and I want every Nova Scotian to know that it is a program that works. If a tenant does find themselves in a situation where they're in a conflict or at odds with their landlord, they have to reach out to us. That's exactly what Service Nova Scotia is intended to do. We put Nova Scotians at the heart of everything we do. We always want to be able to look for improvements in the program, and we will continue to do that. I stand here very proudly, knowing that our government has made incredible investments in housing because that's what we want: for Nova Scotians to have choice.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: With respect, this government has not been there for renters - categorically. As for good ideas to improve the system, the government's own report said they should bring in an enforcement branch, and they trashed it. It doesn't make any sense. Renters are so vulnerable now, more than ever. Instead of protecting them, this government is making it easier to evict people. Soon landlords will be able to begin that process after only three days, not 15, denying tenants the ability to challenge a decision or seek assistance from navigators. This will lead to an increase in evictions. In this market, at this time of year, that is an enormous concern.

My question to the minister is: Will she pause this policy so renters do not literally find themselves out . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable Minister of Growth and Development.

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : I would respectfully ask the member to review that policy. When we're talking on the floor of the Legislature, it's important to have facts. It's important to talk about the entirety of the process and not take a piecemeal approach to taking apart that policy change. There were a lot of things missing in that story that the member is referencing. I spoke about it last night in Estimates. To insinuate that we're not investing in affordable housing is incredibly wrong. We're making historical investments in affordable housing - $120 million in the last two years alone. We'll continue to work with the community as our partners, because they are a valued part of the solution.