SASKATOON - The Saskatchewan NDP are doubling down in their calls for rent control, and in their criticism of Alberta-based landlord Boardwalk.
In particular, on Friday the NDP called out the comments of the CEO of Boardwalk Sam Kolias.
During an interview with AllSaskatchewan on Aug. 14, CEO Sam Kolias was quoted as saying criticism of rent control is "a very old trick that doesn’t work. It might get some votes from very, very uninformed voters.”
“What an awful and incredibly out-of-touch thing to say — Mr. Kolias should correct the record and apologize,” said April ChiefCalf, Saskatchewan NDP Housing critic, in a statement.
“Our office has heard from so many folks, especially seniors and young people, who are doing everything right and still struggling to stay afloat with the high cost of rent. That includes some of this CEO’s own renters. I don’t think being opposed to a big corporate landlord hiking your rent 30 per cent makes you stupid.”
The news release from the NDP comes only days after they called out Boardwalk for acquiring 235 more rental properties in Saskatoon and Regina. The NDP had also called out Boardwalk at the time for calling Saskatchewan their "best - performing" market in Canada.
ChiefCalf has also previously announced plans to bring forward rent control legislation when the Legislature resumes in the fall.
The Sask Party has said they do not support rent control. In a statement this week they said rent controls "have caused housing shortages wherever they have been tried." They also accused the NDP of appearing to be "calling for Canadian companies to be banned from investing in the province."
ChiefCalf blasted the Sask Party for their stance opposing rent control.
“The Sask. Party has no plan except to cozy up to big, corporate landlords while everyday renters pile on debt, skip meals and work two jobs just to make ends meet,” ChiefCalf said.
“It’s time for a government focused on the future, where every person in Saskatchewan has a safe and affordable place to call home.”
