Eviction ban needed as COVID-19 restrictions increase, state of emergency remains in place

HALIFAX-- The NDP Caucus is calling on the Liberal government to reinstate a ban on evictions during the state of emergency. Yesterday, Nova Scotia reported 37 new COVID-19 cases and will increase restrictions in the Halifax region as of midnight tonight.

“In many ways, the last week has felt like those weeks in March when Nova Scotia saw its first cases of COVID-19. At that time the Liberals put a ban on evictions and they should do so again,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “When people are being asked to stay home as much as possible, no one should have to deal with the threat of being evicted."

According to a Freedom of Information request received by the NDP Caucus, just 28 eviction notices were filed in April, May, and June of 2020. However, from the end of the moratorium on June 30 to August 14, there were 343 eviction notices filed.

“We have a housing crisis that is turning into a homelessness crisis,” said NDP Housing spokesperson Lisa Roberts. “The eviction ban never should have been lifted and the Liberal government needs to be taking much bigger steps to ensure new affordable housing is available in our communities.”

Along with the eviction ban, the NDP Caucus continues to call for rent control and legislation that would give the province a first right of refusal to buy residential housing units when they come up for sale to ensure affordable rental options are not lost.

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