NSNDP and ACORN call for full eviction ban, freeze on rent increases

Halifax, NS -- Nova Scotia ACORN and the NSNDP Caucus are calling on Stephen McNeil and the Liberal government to expand the eviction ban and freeze all rental increases during the state of emergency.

According to ACORN’s recently released ‘State of Renters During COVID-19’ report, 35 percent of respondents couldn’t pay rent on May 1st and 15 percent have been threatened with eviction. Meanwhile, rents in Nova Scotia continue to skyrocket.

Halifax tenant and ACORN member Krista Perry was having financial difficulties before the pandemic and she’s facing eviction if the ban isn’t expanded to include non-COVID related cases.

“We’re in a state of emergency and the provincial government has done nothing to ensure tenants can keep a roof over their heads,” said Perry. “My daughter and I are about to be out of a home in the middle of a pandemic and they are not doing anything to stop it.”

Nova Scotia’s jobless rate increased to 12 per cent in April with thousands more workers facing reduced hours and lower incomes. As the public health restrictions continue, to control the spread of COVID-19, tenants are increasingly worried about unregulated rent increases and eviction notices that could force people out of their homes.

“You can’t stay home if you don’t have a home to stay in,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “As we move deeper into the second month of the state of emergency in Nova Scotia, the government must reconsider its position and expand the eviction ban to include all tenants, and block all rent increases during this time.”

ACORN members across the province will continue to push the Liberal government to take action to protect tenants during this crisis with a phone-in to Premier McNeil on Tuesday, May 12th.

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