Fix it Now! Campaign

FIX IT NOW!

Tenants are tired of waiting for a new law.  The Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations has launched a new campaign, to pressure the provincial government to move faster to introduce a new law.  From our media advisory, released May 26th, 2005:

"Tenants in Toronto are deeply disappointed that the Tenant Protection Act remains alive and unchanged.  In 2004, our Federation enthusiastically participated in the consultation process.  We counted on the promise of Mr. McGuinty of 'real protection for tenants at all times', and the promise of Mr. Caplan to fix the Act within one year of taking office.  We have given you detailed responses to your questions and our positions on the key issues facing tenants.  Tenants are ready for real change and true fairness."

May 24, 2005 OPEN LETTER  (For Mr. Gerretsen's response, see below)

The Honourable John Gerretsen
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
777 Bay Street
17th Floor, Toronto
M5G 2E5


Dear Sir,

Tenants in Toronto are deeply disappointed that the Tenant Protection Act remains alive and unchanged. In 2004, our Federation enthusiastically participated in the consultation process. We counted on the promise of Mr. McGuinty of “real protection for tenants at all times”, and the promise of Mr. Caplan to fix the Act within one year of taking office. We have given you detailed responses to your questions and our positions on the key issues facing tenants. Tenants are ready for real change and true fairness.

We know the devastating affect that the TPA has had on tenants. This year, we have already worked with over 1400 tenants that are facing Above Guideline Rent Increases based on a claimed jump in utility costs. It has been almost three years since both the Ombudsman of Ontario and the Divisional Court recommended that this part of the law be changed to end the obvious unfairness.

Minister Gerretsen, we are identifying below some changes that are within your immediate authority under section 208 of the Act to change the regulations. You have the Ministerial power to appoint people to the Tribunal.

We are calling on you now to take action:

1. To amend the regulations to stop increases for utility costs.

2. To amend the regulations to reduce the effect of capital cost allowances.

3. To fix the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal by appointing a new Chair. Make a clear statement that fairness to tenants is the new style.

4. To make a strong statement about apartments in disrepair. Tenants have a right to expect value for the money we pay as consumers and taxpayers.

Last April, you called for a time out from the additional 2% bonus which was included in the annual rent guideline. This was to be in effect while you determined the new legislation. We expect the time out to still be in effect. In other words, the 2006 annual guideline will not include the former 2% bonus permitted by the Act.

We are saying FIX IT NOW!


Yours truly,

Vivienne Loponen
Chair, Federation of Metro Tenants Associations

And all the members of the Board of Directors

Barbara Allingham
Bernice Bradt
Shawn de Swart
Camla Draven
Alfred Edwards
Joseph Edwards
Ronald Grant
Terri Hammond
Kevin Milburn
Leah Morrigan
Henk Mulder
Michael Oliphant
Molly Sutkaitis

And Co-Ordinators

Dan McIntyre
Gail Nyberg


P.S. We will be making this letter public on Thursday May 26, 2005
 

From the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

June 27, 2005

…

Dear Ms. Loponen:

Thank you for your letter of May 24, 2005, regarding the Tenant Protection Act, 1997 (TPA) and specifically the key issues regarding tenants’ rights throughout the province.

Our government understands that tenants have faced difficulties under the current law. We have committed to introducing legislation to replace the TPA with fair and effective tenant/landlord protection. We have concluded a province –wide consultation on a very complex issue and we are now taking the time we need to get the legislation right.

Please note that the government’s June 2004 amendment to the TPA, which changed how the annual rent-control guideline for 2005 was based solely on the Rent Control Index – a formula that takes into account increases in operating costs faced by landlords – and was set at 1.5 per cent (the lowest amount in Ontario’s history of rent controls). The 2006 guideline will be calculated in accordance with the June 2004 amendment.

I am also pleased to inform you that the government has, with support from all parties, appointed Dr. Lilian Ma as Chair of the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal.

We appreciate your participation in the consultation process as well as hearing from members of the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations. Thank you for adding your voice to this discussion.

Sincerely,


John Gerretsen
Minister