During a raucous legislative session on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford presided over the passage of Bill 60, a controversial measure designed to expedite housing development and enforce evictions against tenants who have defaulted on their rent. The bill, which passed in a heated debate, was supported by the Ontario Progressive Conservative government, reflecting the province’s ongoing struggle with housing affordability and supply shortages.
Ford’s presence in the chamber was marked by a tense exchange when a protester, who had been removed by security, taunted a guard attempting to escort him from the floor. Ford, visibly exasperated by the disruption, reportedly told the protester: ‘Go find a job, buddy.’ The remark, while seemingly dismissive, underscores the broader tensions around the bill, which has drawn criticism from tenant advocacy groups and labor unions.
Bill 6, often referred to as the ‘Right to Work’ legislation, allows landlords to issue notices to vacate to tenants who have fallen behind on rent payments, with the process accelerated to within 14 days of the default. Critics argue that the law could lead to the displacement of vulnerable tenants, particularly those facing financial hardship due to rising living costs and job insecurity. Supporters, however, contend that the law is necessary to ensure that properties remain occupied by tenants who can afford to pay rent, thereby supporting the housing market.
The passage of the bill also highlights the broader political context in Ontario, where Ford’s government has faced increasing pressure from both the opposition and grassroots movements to address the housing crisis. With rent prices in major cities like Toronto and Ottawa remaining at historic highs, the measure is seen by some as a necessary step to stabilize the housing market. However, it has also sparked fears that it could exacerbate the plight of low-income and vulnerable residents who are already struggling to make ends meet.
As the debate over housing policy continues, the passing of Bill 60 represents a significant shift in Ontario’s approach to rent regulation and tenant rights. The legislation’s impact on the province’s housing landscape remains to be seen, but it has already sparked a wave of protests and public discourse surrounding the balance between landlord protections and tenant welfare.