May 6, 2003
The Federation of Metro Tenants Associations wants to ensure that no SARS victim loses their home.
In a letter to the Minister of Housing, and to the Chair of the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal, the FMTA asked that a directive be issued.
The protection would be for those victims who fall behind in their rent because of being stricken with SARS or because they lose their job because of the disease.
Last week, the Federal Government announced that victims would be protected against mortgage default.
Although the issue has yet to arise at an eviction hearing, the FMTA knows all too well how easy it is to fall behind on escalating Toronto rents.
"There is no need to compound a tragedy by evicting victims" said Gail Nyberg of the FMTA.