Ontario pulls back on controversial proposal for easier eviction

The Ontario government is backing off of a controversial proposal which would have made it easier for landlords to evict tenants without a legal reason.

Rob Flack, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, initially introduced legislation last week to streamline housing approvals and reduce delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Alongside that, the government said it would launch consultations on tenancy rules.

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Specifically, looking at making changes to the so-called “security of tenure” rule which allows tenants to stay in their unit on a month-to-month basis after their lease is up, as long as there’s no legal reason to evict them.

The minister announced Sunday that the province will not go ahead with those consultations, saying residents expect stability in Ontario’s rental market, and now is not the time to make changes.

At Queen’s Park Monday, the Progressive Conservatives wouldn’t commit to backing off the changes for good.

Catherine McKenney, NDP MPP for Ottawa Centre, asked Premier Doug Ford to show compassion toward Ontarians.

“And again to the premier, will you show some compassion to the Ontarians who rent – who you were elected to represent – and choose instead to strengthen rental protections, build truly affordable homes, and keep people housed across this province?” she said.

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Also during Question Period, Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey garnered a laugh from Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles when he mentioned the challenges of landlordship.

“Madam Speaker, we have to have balance, because if we don’t have landlords and housing providers there is nowhere for tenants to be and it drives up cost,” he said.

“We are working very hard to bring the Landlord and Tenant Board back to balance, to create a level playing field and to allow landlords and housing providers to provide more stock so that there is more room for those who need a place to live and they can do it affordably.”

Besides the consultations, the minister has said the province will move forward with the legislation to reduce delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board and streamline housing approvals — something the minister called “common sense reforms.”

Some critics say they are still weary of the bill and are looking to the province to strengthen protections for renters.

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