I've witnessed firsthand how rising rents have pushed people out of their homes, including myself, my friends, and family. As housing costs climb, more people I know are struggling to make ends meet, forced into unsafe or unstable living situations. This cause and effect overwhelms our shelter systems, thus creating more gaps. It’s heartbreaking and disheartening to see people unable to afford a safe place to live, and it feels unfair that rent control protections don’t apply to all Ontarians. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home.

In recent years, the issue of unaffordable housing has reached crisis levels in Ontario. Since the Ontario government's decision in November 2018 to exclude new constructions from rent control, rent increases have surged by up to 50%. This policy change has amplified the challenge of securing stable and affordable housing, contributing significantly to the 15,000+ homeless Ontarians.

The growing housing crisis is further evidenced by the 200,000 households presently on waitlists for affordable housing. This staggering number encapsulates the urgent need for governmental intervention and fair housing policies. Housing is a fundamental right and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the year their building was built.

Fair and consistent rent control across Ontario will promote affordable living for all its residents. It will help stabilize communities, prevent homelessness, and alleviate financial pressures on vulnerable populations. We propose reinstating rent control measures that encompass all rental properties, regardless of their construction date. 

With unified rent control policies, landlords will also benefit by reducing tenant turnover and fostering long-term rental relationships. These changes are not just about economics; they are about justice and the equitable treatment of every Ontarian. Not only will it help with the rise of current encampments, and allowing people to live in a more safe and stable  environment. 

We urge Ontario’s government to acknowledge the severity of this crisis and its responsibility to its citizens. Act now to reinstate rent controls for all rental units, including those built post-November 2018, ensuring a stable and affordable future for all Ontarians.

Join us in this vital cause. Sign this petition to demand fair, consistent rent control and stand up for the right to affordable housing for every tenant in Ontario. Let's make Canada the inclusive backbone of North America, and bring us back to our roots.

Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we live, work, and gather is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples. It is also home to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here for thousands of years. We recognize their enduring connection to this land and express our gratitude for their stewardship of it, both past and present.