Today I rise on behalf of the tenants on Webster Street in my riding of London–Fanshawe. This issue has already been brought to the attention of the government countless times, with little action on renovictions. The residents on Webster Street have been served N13 notices en masse after a change in ownership at their buildings. I have received many gut-wrenching stories from constituents fearful of what this will mean for them, knowing that access to justice at the Landlord and Tenant Board is limited. Many do not want to use their names because they fear retribution from the owners, which speaks to the power discrepancy here.

One person emphasized the insidiousness of renovictions, and I’d like to share. She said, “My unit is a two-bedroom apartment that is in excellent condition and has never had any rent or maintenance issues in the five-plus years I have lived here.... My home was affordable, safe and friendly. This community and my neighbours have offered a decent quality of life, and I had hoped to live out my pending senior years in comfort.”

She mentioned that the renovations are not necessary. How can the government allow the landlord to justify evictions based on unnecessary renovations? She also highlighted that this is another way that affordable housing is disappearing in our community.

This government has made a commitment to creating affordable housing. They need to enact measures to ensure existing housing stays affordable.

I call on this government to pass Bill 58, protecting tenants from renovictions and imposing rent controls so that vulnerable citizens are not left begging for action to save their homes.