The CAQ government is weakening housing rights
On June 9, 2023, Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau presented Bill 31, which proposes several changes to housing legislation. This bill threatens the already limited measures tenants have to counter abusive rent hikes.
If Bill 31 is passed, tenants will no longer be able to transfer their lease to another person before the end of the contractual 12 months. Consequently, they will not be able to maintain the conditions they had and avoid rent increases, which can exceed legal limits. Getting rid of lease transfers would give landlords more power and exacerbate the housing crisis at a time when many Quebec households are already having a hard time finding housing or living in precarious conditions. This is particularly problematic for vulnerable populations, including single mothers, the elderly, and racialized or LGBTQ+ people who already deal with discrimination in their search for housing.
As such, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) is attacking social health determinants. Unsanitary or overly expensive housing can negatively affect an individual’s health or affect the portion of their revenue reserved for covering other essential needs.
The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec–FIQ is concerned about this issue, as it is widening health inequalities. As a labour organization, it is our duty to defend the rights of the most vulnerable since the health of a person or a population depends on a broad spectrum of personal, social, economic and environmental factors.