NSNDP

May 31st, 2021

Housing crisis a result of Liberal inaction

HALIFAX -- A new report on housing highlights the Liberal government's failure to deal with skyrocketing rents and housing prices leaving thousands of families struggling to find an affordable place to live.

"Today's report calls for a number of important changes to be made quickly," said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. "This flies in the face of the Liberals' plan to cut $209 million from government spending next year. People affording a place to live in their communities needs to be the top priority, not the Liberals' planned cuts in spending."

Under the Liberal government, housing prices and rents have gone through the roof. Nearly 20 per cent of all tenants spend 50 per cent or more of their income on rent and utilities. The Liberal government could act immediately to improve the housing situation across Nova Scotia.

“Over the last number of years, the need for action has been clear,” said NDP Housing spokesperson Lisa Roberts. “The NDP tabled legislation that would have recognized housing as a human right and set us on a path to enact policies that reflect that right. We need to be working with municipalities, non-profits, tenants, and property owners to ensure there is a mix of housing options for everyone who needs it.”

The Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission released its final report today calling on the government to create a province-wide housing strategy and acknowledge housing as a human right.

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