A new housing legislation proposed by Premier Doug Ford’s government was approved in the Ontario legislature on Monday.
Critics of the bill, known as Bill 60, argue that it heavily favors landlords and could make it simpler for them to evict tenants.
However, the Ford administration argues that the law will encourage the construction of more homes and create greater rental stability.
Housing Minister Rob Flack defended the bill during a legislative session on Monday, stating, “Not one protection is being altered in this bill, Speaker. Supply creates competition, competition creates lower rents.”
Detractors of the bill highlight several concerning points, such as restrictions on renters presenting new evidence in Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hearings and a reduction in appeal times from 30 to 15 days. Moreover, the bill would eliminate the requirement for landlords to provide a month’s rent as compensation when evicting a tenant for personal use.
It has also been noted that tenants may face challenges defending themselves at LTB hearings unless they pay half of the amount claimed by the landlord before evidence is presented.
Over the weekend, a large gathering of tenants and housing advocates convened at Queen’s Park to protest against the bill, emphasizing concerns that it could escalate housing insecurity and worsen homelessness across the province.
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto City Council has echoed these sentiments, expressing her belief that Bill 60 diminishes the rights of renters.
Keyphrase: Ontario housing bill