NDP: Ford must commit to protecting renters with real rent control

QUEEN’S PARK — While the Doug Ford government has seemingly walked back its foray into potentially ending rent control and allowing tenants to be evicted once their lease expires, Ontario NDP MPPs Chris Glover (Spadina—Fort York) and Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) are calling on the Conservatives to make a permanent commitment to protecting rent control.

Glover pointed to Ford’s prioritization of property owners’ business interests over the rights of renters, during today’s Question Period.

“Last week, the government announced they’re considering ending rent control on all units, and allowing corporate landlords to evict renters, not because they haven’t paid their rent, but for the corporate landlord’s business strategies,” said Glover. “Then, on Sunday, the Housing Minister backtracked and said “now is not the time” to end rent control.

“Why would this government think there is ever a good time to end rent control, and threaten to kick renters out of their homes? Will the Premier commit to supporting renters by never ending rent control in Ontario?”

With Ford unwilling to make such a commitment in response, Wong-Tam says that Ontarians deserve transparency and protection from their government.

“This weekend, we saw renters from across Ontario rise up and show that they will fight like hell to keep their homes,” Wong-Tam added. “Those same Ontarians deserve a promise from the Premier that he will never undermine their security of tenure, but he dodged a simple yes-or-no question, thus telling every renter in Ontario that he is open to one day ending rent control. Maybe when he thinks they’re not paying attention.

“Why won’t the Premier commit to protecting rent control — not just today, but forever — so renters can have the same security in their homes that corporate landlords have in their profits?”

New Democrats will continue fighting to protect renters’ rights.