In November Saskatchewan saw the highest monthly rent increase in Canada, tied with Manitoba at 1.8 percent. Rents declined everywhere else.
According to Rentals.ca, rents jumped a total 24 percent over the past two years – the highest of any province.
“Rising rents are crushing people in this province, forcing working families, students and seniors to the food banks in record numbers while the tired Sask. Party sits on its hands,” said Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck. “People need rent relief now.”
Six provinces have already implemented some form of rent control to protect tenants and keep housing more affordable.
After months of consultations with renters, the Saskatchewan NDP plans to introduce rent control legislation in the coming weeks.
“Big corporate landlords are swooping in to buy up property, jacking up rents and forcing people into impossible situations like choosing whether to buy food or pay bills while the Sask. Party acts as though nothing is wrong,” said April ChiefCalf, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Housing.
“Elsewhere in Canada, governments have recognized the urgent need to rein in skyrocketing rents while the Sask. Party has stuck its head in the sand hoping the problem will go away.”
Saskatchewan workers are working harder and harder but falling further behind. Since 2018, the year Scott Moe became Premier, average earnings have grown only 2.84 per cent when adjusted for inflation. However, Sask. Party taxes more than zero out that increase.
The people of Saskatchewan still have time to have their voice heard on and influence the Saskatchewan NDP’s upcoming legislation by visiting RentControlNow.ca.
-30-