Quebec Passes Law Banning Certain Evictions for Three Years
Montreal – In a unanimous decision, Quebec’s National Assembly has passed a law prohibiting common forms of evictions such as subdivisions, enlargements, and changes of use for the next three years. The bill, presented by Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau, aims to provide temporary relief for tenants facing displacement.
The legislation will be in effect until the province achieves a three percent vacancy rate. It will also have a retroactive impact on individuals who have received eviction notices for these reasons since May 22. Municipalities have the option to request exemptions based on their vacancy rates, but the moratorium may still apply to areas with low availability, even if urban centers reach the target rate.
Data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation indicates a declining vacancy rate in Quebec’s major urban areas since 2021, hovering slightly above one percent as of 2023. Additionally, the law extends protections for seniors under the “Françoise David law,” safeguarding those aged 65 and above from evictions and repossessions under specific criteria.
Minister Duranceau expressed her satisfaction with the new law, emphasizing its importance in addressing the current housing crisis. Quebec Solidaire’s Christine Labrie, a key player in drafting the bill, highlighted the significance of long-term advocacy efforts in achieving these protective measures.
Furthermore, the opposition party is advocating for housing rights to be formally recognized in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Recent reports from the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec revealed a significant increase in eviction complaints between July 2022 and June 2023, indicating a pressing need for legislative interventions.
As Quebec takes steps to alleviate housing challenges, stakeholders emphasize the importance of community support and collaborative solutions in navigating this crisis.
This article was written by Erika Morris, a journalist at CBC Montreal, with contributions from Cathy Senay.