N.S. Liberals pledge to help renters, while NDP promises to open more health clinics if elected
The Liberal Party in Nova Scotia has proposed a new initiative that could provide much-needed support to low-income tenants who are struggling to keep up with their rent payments. If the Liberal Party wins the upcoming provincial election on Nov. 26, they plan to establish a rent bank that would offer no-interest emergency loans to tenants in financial distress.
Party leader Zach Churchill highlighted the importance of this initiative during a campaign event in Halifax. With rental prices on the rise in Nova Scotia, many low-income tenants are facing challenges in meeting their monthly rent obligations. Churchill emphasized that renters deserve the same security and support as homeowners when it comes to financial assistance.
The proposed rent bank, inspired by a similar program in British Columbia, would offer quick-turnaround loans of up to $3,500 to eligible tenants. The Liberals estimate that setting up a rent bank in Nova Scotia would cost around $2 million, based on the population size of the province.
The BC Rent Bank, which was launched as a pilot project in 2019, has been successful in providing support to renters in British Columbia. The organization offers eviction prevention services, housing stability programs, financial literacy resources, and connections to government benefits. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the BC Rent Bank distributed over $2.4 million to assist thousands of renters in need.
In addition to the rent bank initiative, the Liberal Party has plans to improve rent control measures in Nova Scotia. They propose replacing the current fixed-rate rent cap with a variable cap based on inflation, market conditions, and regional vacancy rates. The party also aims to address loopholes in the province’s rules for fixed-term leases and enhance enforcement of residential tenancy regulations.
Meanwhile, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has announced its own healthcare-related initiative as part of their election campaign. NDP Leader Claudia Chender revealed plans to open 15 doctor clinics across Nova Scotia in the first year of their term, with an investment of $60 million. These clinics would provide primary care services and aim to reduce the backlog of patients seeking healthcare providers in the province.
On the incumbent side, Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston focused on campaigning in the suburbs of Halifax without making any formal announcements on Wednesday. With candidate nominations now complete, all three main parties are gearing up for a competitive election battle.
As the election date approaches, the future of Nova Scotia’s housing and healthcare policies remains a key point of discussion among the political parties. Voters will have the opportunity to choose the party and platform that aligns with their priorities and values on Nov. 26.
