Housing advocates calling for social housing, rent controls

Charleswood

Manitoba housing advocates are eagerly awaiting the third session of the legislature to find out whether the provincial government will keep its promise to make social housing a priority and strengthen rent controls.

Lack of investment in non-market housing over the past 30 years, along with high rent increases, has caused a housing crisis. The Right to Housing Coalition says the Manitoba government must add 1,000 new social housing units and invest $150 million each year for the next 10 years to maintain the existing social housing supply.

The province has provided some funding for rent geared to income units, but it is not meeting the annual target for social housing.

In 2023, the federal government launched the $4 billion housing acceleration fund (over nine years) to make changes to bylaws and regulations that will increase housing construction. The City of Winnipeg received $122 million from the federal government fund to fast track construction. It recently announced five housing projects that are expected to create 700 new housing units, of which 270 will be considered affordable housing.

Affordable housing is defined as housing costs being no more than 30 percent of household income. The City’s intention to create 270 united is a good start. But the province must also be on board to ensure construction of much-needed affordable housing.

Another promise Premier Kinew made in 2023 was to “make life more affordable for renters”. Legislation that would strengthen rent controls was written when the NDP was in opposition. After two sessions of the legislator, the bill did not pass. Right to Housing advocates held a protest at Premier Kinew’s office on May 30 to show their disappointment on the lack of action on renters rights legislation. They have also met with Mintu Sandhu, minister of public service delivery (responsible for rent control legislation), who is “reviewing” the residential tenancies act to find better ways to protect renters.

The better way would be for the government to reintroduce the bill, which would make it more difficult for landlords to apply for rent increases above the province’s guidelines. It would also tighten expenses that landlords could include in rent increases, and protect renters from exorbitant rent increases based on minor improvements.

Winter is just around the corner. And while complaints of encampments are an ongoing issue, people who are facing rent increases they can’t afford could be steps away from being unhoused.

As the Manitoba government starts to discuss what will be included in the 2026 budget, investment in social housing along with social supports needs to be prioritized. So does passing legislation to strengthen rent control regulations.

Enacting these measures is the only way the NDP government can fulfill its commitment to end chronic homelessness within two terms. Contact the Premier and tell him you support Right to Housing’s recommendations to invest in social housing and implement stronger rent controls to ensure low income renters have access to affordable housing.