Controversial Bill 60 Clears Legislature, Raising Fears Of Faster Evictions
A dramatic vote unfolded at Queen’s Park this week as Premier Doug Ford’s government pushed through Bill 60, a housing bill that many renters and advocates say will make an already precarious situation even worse.
The bill passed despite loud opposition from housing organizers, tenants, and community groups who argue that Bill 60 shifts more power toward landlords. During Monday’s vote, members of ACORN Canada were heard chanting “people over profits” before security cleared the public gallery.
According to critics, Bill 60 introduces major setbacks for tenant rights. The legislation cuts appeal times at the Landlord and Tenant Board from 30 to 15 days and blocks renters from presenting new evidence during hearings. It also removes the rule that requires landlords to provide one month’s rent in compensation when evicting someone for personal use of the property. Advocates warn that this combination could accelerate evictions across the province and increase housing instability.
Another concern is a new requirement that forces tenants to pay 50 percent of what a landlord claims they owe before they can properly defend themselves at a hearing. Anti-poverty advocates say this creates an impossible barrier for low-income renters and will deepen homelessness in Ontario.
Housing Minister Rob Flack defended the legislation, stating that “all protections in place remain” and claiming the bill will create balance in the rental system by giving small landlords more confidence. Opposition leaders, including NDP housing critic Catherine McKenney, strongly rejected that position, describing the bill as one that “strips away protections, accelerates evictions, and hands more power to property management companies.”
Over the weekend, hundreds of tenants gathered at Queen’s Park calling on the government to withdraw the bill. Toronto City Council has also voiced concern, with Mayor Olivia Chow warning that the legislation undermines renters’ rights at a time when housing affordability is already in crisis.
As the bill moves forward, tenant groups across Ontario are preparing for increased advocacy, legal challenges, and community organizing to support renters who may be most impacted. Tenant organizers are urging communities to stay informed and stay loud. Renters can advocate by joining local tenant unions, attending neighbourhood organizing meetings, supporting legal clinics, and contacting their MPPs to demand stronger renter protections. Community groups also encourage people to document landlord issues early, show up for rallies, and share verified information so tenants across Ontario can navigate the changes together.
Source article by Richard Southern and Mark McAllister, CityNews. With files from Rhianne Campbell, CityNews, and The Canadian Press. Photo by Small via Flickr.
