More than ever during this lease renewal season, thousands of households are experiencing immense stress. The housing crisis causes human tragedies above all. The conditions are ripe for increasing pressure on housing, particularly due to the marked increase in population.
Bill 31, just adopted, contains innovative measures that are not unanimous, but which, I truly believe, will mitigate the impacts of the housing crisis on Quebecers. But beware ! I never claimed that the bill would solve everything. The fruit of our actions will be harvested in several years. We must act now, because the effects will not be instantaneous. We have to find new ways of doing things, and that takes courage.
When the bill was tabled, it caused a media storm. When we disrupt established norms, we must expect a reaction from those who are accustomed to the status quo. It has been more than 40 years since the rules surrounding relations between landlords and tenants had been adjusted: it was high time that we took a closer look.
However, through all the noise, I fear that important provisions of the bill have been omitted. This is a major problem in my eyes. It has been said often in these pages — and elsewhere in the media — that many people know neither their rights nor their obligations. It is my responsibility to ensure that the measures in the bill are well understood and used. And when controversy overshadows important legislative provisions, citizens are the first to lose.
Let’s first clarify one thing: the assignment of lease is not abolished at all. It remains possible according to the old methods, but an option is added. From now on, in the event of refusal by an owner to consent to the assignment of the lease, the tenant would be released from his obligations. We are restoring the spirit in which this provision was introduced in 1973, namely allowing the tenant to leave their accommodation before the end of the lease.
My motivation in tabling this bill was to protect tenants against abusive evictions. It was inconceivable to me that people were on the street because they were taken by surprise. The bill corrects this by better protecting tenants in the event of eviction. The procedures related to eviction will now rest solely on the shoulders of the landlord. We also significantly improve compensation in the event of eviction.
We are also modifying clauses F and G of the lease so that the price of housing is more predictable and transparent. Landlords will have to disclose the price paid by the previous tenant under penalty of punitive damages. And in the case of new housing, the landlord must immediately indicate the rent increases planned for the next five years. I am confident that this will minimize the excessive increases that we too often hear about, while maintaining favorable conditions to encourage construction. There are still interventions to be made to encourage owners to invest in their homes, we will work on that too.
We must protect the people most affected by the crisis, it is urgent. We are doing a lot to help the most vulnerable. Thanks to our investments, the Société d’habitation du Québec helped more than 160,000 low-income people find housing last year by paying part of their rent. This is considerable.
We must also work in the long term to alleviate the crisis, by increasing the supply of housing. There are also measures in Bill 31 that give powers to municipalities to accelerate projects. We are putting forward new models. It raises fears and that’s normal. But we must mobilize all stakeholders to succeed.
Let’s face the situation: it is not by repeating the same recipe that we will improve the situation. I am determined to think outside the box to thoroughly review ways of doing things.
My goal is to change things for the better. And when we act, we often polarize. But I remain convinced that the measures in Bill 31, in addition to our initiatives to build more and protect vulnerable tenants, will help households get by.
As a society, we must get rid of our resistance to change. We must use all resources to bring good projects to fruition as quickly as possible. You know, I come from the business sector. I have often been criticized for this, but I am convinced that it is an asset. I’m not afraid to do what it takes to deliver results. And we don’t have the luxury of time at home. Too many Quebecers are suffering because of the crisis.
I understand the reluctance of those who are worried about the changes I am implementing. They are fundamental. But I assure you, my vision is clear. As is common practice in the private sector, I urge you to judge me based on results. And they will be there.