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The Alberta NDP will host an online consultation focused on housing on January 17, 2024. (Photo 39412809 © Feverpitched | Dreamstime.com)
By Justin Goulet
Housing

Alberta NDP to host consultation on housing in January

Dec 21, 2023 | 6:58 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta NDP is set to host an online consultation in the new year focused on housing, specifically Bill 205.

The Housing Security Act proposes an immediate cap on rent of two per cent for two years and then an additional cap at inflation for two more years. Additionally, the legislation provides controls for vacant properties, demands better reporting on housing that is being built, and more.

The online consultation is at 6:30 p.m. on January 17, 2024.

The Alberta NDP Housing Critic, Janis Irwin said, “Everyone in this province deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Irwin added, “The crushing cost of rent and failure of the UCP government to build affordable homes has forced many Albertans to pile on debt. Some have even lost their homes. There have been reports of students living in their cars or continuously couch-surfing while attending post-secondary classes.”

The NDP said Alberta is one of a few provinces with no limits on how much rental costs can increase. Officials said for nine straight months, Calgary was in first place for the largest rent increases across Canada, with Edmonton now in the top spot.

Irwin said, “The UCP Government hasn’t met the challenge of the current housing crisis and is due to miss their own target for affordable housing builds by 4,000 units this year alone.”

“Clearly, more must be done.”

Those interested in participating in the consultation can learn more at the Alberta’s Future website.

by Justin Goulet