Shouting and chanting filled the Ontario legislature on Monday as the government passed a new housing bill that critics say will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants.
Members of ACORN Canada, a tenant-rights group, yelled “People over profits” from the public gallery during the vote. At one point, Premier Doug Ford told protesters to “go find a job.” Security later cleared the gallery so the vote on Bill 60 could continue.
ACORN leaders said the bill will increase homelessness and make it harder for tenants to defend themselves. They also criticized the government for fast-tracking the bill and skipping public hearings.
Housing Minister Rob Flack defended the legislation, saying it will speed up housing approvals and help build more homes. He said more supply will eventually mean lower rents, and the government is working to fix delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Opposition parties slammed the government for ignoring tenant concerns and cutting out public input. They warned the bill could push more people into homelessness.
Bill 60 also includes measures to speed up transit-oriented development, ease some zoning rules, and limit Toronto’s ability to require green roofs. The province has also stepped back from its earlier promise to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.
