Horwath calls for strong, legislated eviction protections during COVID-19 pandemic

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement regarding news that some landlords are attempting to evict tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“We are very troubled to be hearing that landlords continue to attempt to evict tenants, despite the moratorium on eviction orders being issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m calling on Doug Ford to table a bill when the Legislative Assembly returns next week to guarantee in law that no one can be evicted for any reason during the pandemic, nor punished in any way for missing a rent payment.

As much as possible, Ontarians should not be leaving their homes as we all practice social distancing, and they certainly should not be tossed onto the streets, and left to scramble for a new home right now.

I’m offering the support of the Official Opposition to draft this legislation and ensure same-day passage, as well as to build a plan to widely and effectively communicate the new law to landlords and tenants.

The federal government’s support package is a welcome relief for many – but it’s too slow to flow, and will leave folks with half as much income for the month. For many in Ontario’s challenging housing market, that just won’t cut it when it comes to paying the rent and keeping the lights on.”