Battlefords MLA Len Taylor continues to express displeasure with the Sask. Party government on the issue of rent increases.
This time, Taylor is taking aim at the government over increases to Saskatchewan Housing affordable housing rates in the Battlefords. In a news release from his office this month, Taylor said provincial government housing policy might be forcing people from their homes.
In a letter to provincial Sask. Housing minister June Draude, Taylor noted rent increase notices sent by the North Battleford Housing Authority on behalf of Sask. Housing call for increases of 12 per cent this year on top of an eight per cent hike the year before.
"In the absence of rent controls, and the absence of affordable alternative housing, there is a reasonable chance these seniors, or these young people will seek accommodation in other communities, perhaps even out of province. It would be unfortunate, in this time of unprecedented provincial government revenue, that Saskatchewan residents would be forced out of their homes, and even out of their province, by policies and practices of their own government.
"I ask that you immediately review the policies regarding rent increases on affordable units, that upon the conclusion of that review you request a rollback of the planned increase, and you change the policy to allow those requiring the social housing subsidy to remain in their own homes."
Taylor expressed further concern in his letter to the government that renters have not seen their incomes increase by 20 per cent in the past two years. He also said private sector rents in North Battleford have increased at rates well above the national average and faster than any other city in Canada. He quotes spring 2011 numbers from the CMHC indicating North Battleford recorded the largest year-over year increase in two bedroom units.
Taylor went on to say there were too few rental units available and virtually no affordable alternatives, and raised the prospect that those individuals will be forced to move.
