Urgent Call for Action as NS Public Housing Waitlist Hits 8,431

UPDATE: Opposition MLAs in Nova Scotia are demanding urgent action from the provincial government as the waitlist for public housing skyrockets to 8,431 people, a significant increase from 8,267 in September. The latest figures, presented at a meeting of the legislature’s public accounts committee on Wednesday, reveal a growing crisis that officials can no longer ignore.

The escalating waitlist underscores a pressing need for transparency and immediate policy changes. NDP MLA Lisa Lachance emphasized the government must implement measures that keep vulnerable individuals safely housed instead of solely focusing on new construction. She pointed out the necessity of halting landlords from exploiting loopholes in rent control laws that allow for excessive rent increases through fixed-term leases.

“It’s far less expensive for government to keep people where they are and to ensure they can live safely and securely in their homes,” Lachance stated during the session. This plea for action highlights the human impact of the housing crisis, as many families face uncertainty in their living situations.

Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette echoed Lachance’s sentiments, urging the government to provide more consistent updates on housing demand. While quarterly statistics on wait times are available, Mombourquette criticized the lack of comprehensive data regarding the waitlist length and regional breakdowns.

“We know that the waitlist is a concern across the province. Why not give the exact number quarterly?” he questioned, calling for greater transparency to inform the public about the housing landscape in Nova Scotia.

The provincial government has announced plans to invest $250 million to construct 515 new public housing units, but both Lachance and Mombourquette stress that building alone will not resolve the crisis. As the rental market tightens, the pressure on tenants remains higher in Nova Scotia than in any other province, prompting urgent calls for more robust solutions.

Chris Morrissey, the deputy minister of growth and development, acknowledged that increasing public housing supply is crucial. However, he also noted ongoing partnerships with non-profit organizations and the private sector to enhance affordable housing options. “We’re doing everything we can with the limited resources we have to meet some of the demands,” Morrissey stated, as officials strive to address the widening gap in housing accessibility.

In addition to construction plans, the government is actively identifying 200 potential sites for future housing developments in collaboration with Build Nova Scotia. These sites aim to incorporate affordable units in new projects and support non-profits in acquiring existing affordable housing.

The meeting on Wednesday also reviewed the government’s response to a 2022 auditor general’s report, which raised concerns about oversight in the public housing system. Officials revealed they have implemented approximately 65 percent of the report’s recommendations and are on track to complete the remaining actions in the next fiscal year.

As the situation unfolds, both government and opposition leaders are calling for immediate, transparent solutions to ensure that no Nova Scotian is left without a home. The urgency of the housing crisis demands collective action and innovative policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.

What happens next? Watch for potential announcements regarding new housing initiatives and ongoing updates from the provincial government as they confront this escalating issue. The public is urged to stay informed and engaged as the housing landscape evolves across Nova Scotia.