Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew has announced that a Manitoba NDP government will bring in stronger rent control and save renters money with an increased $700 tax credit.
In a media release today (Aug 25), Kinew said “Everyone deserves an affordable place to call home. But under Heather Stefanson, renters are being priced out. The Manitoba NDP will bring in stronger rent controls and make housing more affordable for renters by increasing the tax credit for renters that Stefanson cut.”
The release said, “Heather Stefanson undermined rent controls and approved nearly every application for above-guideline rent increases during her time as Premier. According to media reports, in 2021 more than 20,000 renters saw their rent increase by as much as 50%. The Stefanson PCs also reduced tax credits for renters, costing families up to $525 since 2021.
The Manitoba NDP will bring in legislation that strengthens rent control by preventing landlords from applying for unnecessary and large rent increases and prevent them from passing along increases that have not been approved. Under the NDP’s plan, landlords would also be prevented from revoking or reducing rent discounts within the first year an above-guideline increase is implemented. Kinew also promised to create oversight of affordable housing to protect seniors and other renters and bring in a $700 tax credit to make rent more affordable.”
Kinew pointed out that while renters lost money, Stefanson’s PCs sent rebate cheques worth millions of dollars to out-of-province billionaires like Galen Weston and corporations like Cadillac-Fairview.
“While Manitoba renters pinched pennies to keep a roof over their heads, Stefanson was mailing out cheques to rich CEOs who don’t even live here. It’s just plain wrong,” said Kirkfield Park NDP candidate Logan Oxenham. “We believe in protecting regular Manitobans, not bankrolling billionaires. The Manitoba NDP will strengthen protections and save renters money.”
