More Nova Scotians pushed onto housing waitlist as rents skyrocket unchecked

HALIFAX – According to an NSNDP Freedom of Information request, the waitlist for public housing in Nova Scotia reached over 8,000 people in June. The waitlist grew by 1,200 people in just eight months, as rents have continued to grow faster than the government’s temporary rent cap.

Since the Houston government took office in 2021, the public housing waitlist has increased by nearly 40 per cent.

“Nova Scotians are worried about affording their homes, and, clearly, more people are falling behind. The waitlist is rising because people have no other option – under this government, there simply are not enough affordable apartments or homes for people,” said Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender. “Families, seniors, and young people are being left behind while the Houston government relies on developers building luxury condos to fix the problem. Everyone in our province should have access to safe, affordable housing. This government needs to get serious about protecting renters and building homes people can actually afford.”

Instead of protecting renters by closing the fixed-term lease loophole or creating real rent control, the Houston government has made it easier to evict people. Renters in Halifax saw average rent increases of 28 per cent last year when signing a new lease. Almost half of those on the public housing waitlist are seniors.

“It’s not surprising that the lack of affordable homes is hitting seniors particularly hard. Wages aren’t keeping up for working Nova Scotians, and it’s even harder to manage out-of-control rent increases on a fixed income,” said Chender. “People who have worked hard their whole lives are now worrying about where they can afford to live. Every Nova Scotian deserves to retire with dignity; the government needs to act urgently so Nova Scotians can afford to stay in their homes.”

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