Houston government must protect Nova Scotians from risk of homelessness
The NSNDP continues to call on the Houston government to bring in real rent control, stronger renter protections and tenancy enforcement, and expand the rent supplement to ensure people remain housed.
HALIFAX –Nearly three years after Tim Houston’s government was elected, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Halifax alone has more than tripled. Nova Scotia New Democrats are calling for immediate action to prevent this crisis from getting even worse.
Tuesday, Halifax Regional Council voted to approve recommendations to address this issue, including asking the Premier for help.
“In this current moment, the Houston government must do better and focus on keeping people housed. The Premier needs to treat homelessness like the emergency it is and do whatever is necessary to help those living rough,” said NSNDP leader Claudia Chender. “Nova Scotians can’t wait any longer. We need real, immediate solutions and investment. The Houston government should change the requirements for the rent supplement program back to 30 per cent from the 50 per cent level they changed it to last year and create a renters’ tax credit to help people afford the skyrocketing rents in Nova Scotia.” …[Continue Reading]