OTTAWA — On Monday, eligible Canadian renters can apply for $500 through the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) program to help them cover the cost of their rent thanks to New Democrats who pushed the government to provide this support in their Supply and Confidence Agreement.
According to a report released by Rentals.ca for November, the average rent in Canada climbed nearly 12 per cent year over year to almost $2000 per month.
OTTAWA — On Monday, eligible Canadian renters can apply for $500 through the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) program to help them cover the cost of their rent thanks to New Democrats who pushed the government to provide this support in their Supply and Confidence Agreement.
According to a report released by Rentals.ca for November, the average rent in Canada climbed nearly 12 per cent year over year to almost $2000 per month.
“Canadians are having a hard time making ends meet as the cost of rent and food rises. They’re doing everything right but they feel like they just can’t get ahead,” said Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “Instead of standing by while people fall further behind, New Democrats used our power in parliament to get more money for renters. There is more needs to be done to support Canadians with their rising costs, but this money will help give people who need it a little breathing room.”
The money secured by the NDP provides a one-time tax-free payment of $500 to low-income renters. The benefit will help almost 2 million Canadians.
“People all over the country are telling me that they’re stressed about rent increases. They’re worried about keeping a roof over their heads,” said Singh. “When times get tough, it shouldn’t be Canadians who are paying the cost for inflation while the ultra-rich get even richer. New Democrats fought for this important support for people, and we’re going to keep pushing for more help for you and your family.”
Dozens of students and instructors gathered at Vancouver Community College (VCC) Tuesday to protest the unexpected shutdown of the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
LINC, which has helped thousands of immigrants learn English, secure jobs, and work toward citizenship, is set to be terminated at the end of March due to federal funding cuts.
The move has left over 800 students without a clear path forward and more than 30 instructors without jobs.
“We found out just before winter break, and this was the first opportunity to get people together to raise spirits, because people have been really down.” said Frank Cosco, president of the VCC Faculty Association.
If Ottawa lets the deadline lapse and the two-generation cut-off is thus voided, affected lost Canadians could just come reclaim their citizenship. If the court cuts the government some slack and grants another extension in light of the circumstances, the uncertainty will continue.
“During that extension period, we could very well be in an election, in which case, no bills could be passed,” said MP Jenny Kwan, immigration critic of the opposition NDP, and a staunch supporter of the bill.
I call on the Canadian government to take urgent and decisive action to:
1. Strongly condemn the Hong Kong government’s NSL and the targeting of overseas activists, including Canadian citizens and residents, and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Hong Kong.
2. Impose targeted sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials responsible for human rights violations and the erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms.
3. Stop according any special rights or diplomatic status to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade offices in Canada.
4. Expedite the processing of PR application for Hong Kongers fleeing political persecution and to automatically renew their work and study permit in the meantime.