NDP RECORD: RENT CONTROLS

 In 1992, with Lingenfelter in Cabinet, the NDP cancelled rent control and continued to reject it for 16 years.  On July 6, 1992 the Hon. Ms. Simard moved second reading on Bill No. 61 - An Act to amend The Residential Tenancies Act, "All rent review and rent control provisions will also be repealed."  NDP stakeholder consultations in 2007 cited serious concerns about rent controls from key housing organizations. Some of these stakeholders included: o the City of Saskatoon o Saskatoon Homebuilders o the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Industry Association The NDP's report on Housing Consultations in 2007 said:  Although there was a mixed response regarding rent controls the general conclusion was that rent controls create uncertainty and will lead to a decline in housing availability and quality as rent controls would be a disincentive for investment." (Housing in Saskatchewan - Community Partner Meetings, Consultations Summary Sept. 19, 2007) NDP SUMBISSION TO THE 2008 HOUSING TASK FORCE:  Between April 2007 and April 2008 there was a 21% increase in rents in Saskatoon because of NDP inaction on housing for 16 years.  There has been no average increase as large since. Average rent increases have steadily declined under our Government.

 But right after that increase in 2007/08, the Member from Saskatoon-Centre made a submission to the Task Force on Housing Affordability and there was absolutely no mention of rent controls.