A controversial housing bill by Premier Doug Ford’s government passed at the Ontario legislature on Monday.
Those who oppose Bill 60 feel it tilts the power further in favor of landlords, making it easier to evict tenants.
However, the Ford government contends the legislation will get more homes built and will lead to more rental stability.
“Not one protection is being altered in this bill, Speaker. Supply creates competition, competition creates lower rents,” Housing Minister Rob Flack said in the legislature on Monday.
Critics point out the bill would block renters from introducing new evidence during Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hearings and cut appeal times from 30 to 15 days. It would also eliminate the rule that states landlords must provide a month’s rent in compensation when they evict a tenant for personal use of the property.
Advocates also say that when it comes to hearings at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), tenants can no longer defend themselves unless they pay 50 per cent of what the landlord is claiming they owe before it is proven.
Hundreds of tenants and housing advocates rallied at Queen’s Park on Saturday, calling on the Ford government to scrap the bill, arguing it will increase housing instability and exacerbate homelessness in the province.
Toronto City Council recently echoed the concerns of those opposing Bill 60 with Mayor Olivia Chow saying she believes it diminishes renters’ rights.
With files from Rhianne Campbell, CityNews
