On Saturday, tenants rallied at Queen’s Park, voicing strong opposition to Bill 60, a proposed housing legislation by the Ontario government. Thousands filled the downtown streets, calling for the withdrawal of this bill, which they argue threatens tenant rights and could lead to an increase in evictions across the province.
Concerns Around Bill 60
The demonstration followed an open letter from over 100 organizations, including legal clinics, unions, food banks, and shelters. This letter, signed by 132 groups, warned that Bill 60 would exacerbate homelessness by undermining key tenant protections during a time when living costs are rising sharply.
Toronto City Council has also signaled its opposition to the bill. Mayor Olivia Chow stated that the legislation would empower landlords to evict tenants more easily, directly impacting renters’ rights.
Details of Bill 60
- Full name: Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act
- Key Provisions:
- Tenants must give prior notice of issues at hearings.
- New issues cannot be introduced without warning.
- Mandatory compensation for landlords taking back units would be removed with two months’ notice.
- Grace period for unpaid rent reduced from 14 to 7 days.
- Time frame to request a review of orders cut from 30 to 15 days.
A spokesperson from the Minister of Municipal Affairs suggested that Bill 60 aims to restore balance to Ontario’s rental market and protect responsible tenants while holding repeat offenders accountable.
Voices from the Protest
At the protest, Sharlene Henry, co-chair of the York South-Weston Tenant Union, conveyed the collective sentiment. She stated, “We need to stand up to the Ford government and ask them to kill Bill 60.” She expressed concern that the bill might lead to mass evictions and could create a blacklist targeting tenants who have exercised their rights.
Henry urged the Premier to listen to tenants, emphasizing their significant presence in Ontario. “We deserve a seat at the table,” she concluded during the rally, which coincided with National Housing Day.
As the situation unfolds, tenant advocates continue to monitor the impact of proposed changes while pushing for stronger protections in housing legislation.
