The Saskatchewan government and opposition are at odds over rent control, with the NDP pushing for measures to make housing more affordable and the Sask. Party government arguing that rent caps would harm the rental market. Local senior Jean Carroll is hoping to help the cause and get rent controls instituted in the province. “I want to be independent, that’s why I’m so upset about this,” she told CTV News. Carroll, 86, says living on her own is becoming increasingly difficult with a recent rent increase of over $400 a month, with another hike expected. She’s launches a province-wide petition for rent control. “We’d like anyone in Saskatchewan to sign it, and it’s to introduce rent control in this province so we can live here and not worry about where we’re going to be,” she said. She’s aiming for around 1,000 signatures before the fall sitting of the legislature, where the opposition NDP plans to introduce a private member’s bill. “I will be speaking with key groups in the weeks and months ahead, including tenants, landlords, advocates, community based housing organizations, subject matter experts, developers and community planners,” NDP MLA, April Chief Calf told CTV News. These public consultations are intended to help get a better idea of what renters in Saskatchewan are facing, and an online form has been created by the NDP that can be accessed by anyone interested in sharing their experience. “Their input will form the basis of legislation I intend to bring in the legislature. It really is time for rent control, now,” she said. Meanwhile, the minister in charge of the Sask. Housing Corporation, Terry Jenson, says they have no plans to introduce rent controls because it will suppress the building of much-needed spaces. “The more units you have, it actually controls prices because there’s now competition for tenants, and by putting rent control in, yeah, it really stifles additional construction,” Jenson said. Rental Housing Saskatchewan CEO Landon Field echoes that sentiment. “Availability of units is directly correlated to affordability, so when there are more units available, there are more choices for renters and homeowners,” Field said. As for Carroll, she’s hoping the petition, which is available in hard copy and online, as well as the initiatives by the NDP, will make a change for her and many others. “I would like to see anybody in this province come and sign our petition because something has to give.” Both the public consultation and the petition are available online.
