According to a recent news release, the new Tenants’ Rights Program “will provide Nova Scotians with free legal advice and education to better navigate housing challenges.”
The program, which will be delivered by the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, “will make free legal advice and resources available to tenants across the province, including those in rural and remote areas.”
Ottawa will be giving $951,590 over four years to support the program, which is available to all tenants in the province, regardless of income.
The announcement was made by Halifax MP Shannon Miedema, on behalf of federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser.
The program comes as Nova Scotia — like many other parts of the country — continues to struggle with a housing crisis. In a statement, Miedema spoke of the difficulty many residents face in getting help with “tenancy challenges.”
“Tenants across Nova Scotia have long been without accessible and affordable support when navigating tenancy challenges,” Miedema said. “In Halifax, nearly 50 [per cent] of households are renters, and programs like this truly make a difference. Today’s announcement marks an important shift — one that will ensure tenants in our province can access free legal advice and education, thanks to funding from our federal government.”
Program services include the providing of summary legal advice, updated legal education “materials,” and workshops on tenants’ rights.
According to at least one news story, Statistics Canada found through data gathered in August and September 2024 that 66 per cent of Nova Scotia residents experienced a challenge related to housing, whether that be related to affordability, suitability, condition or discrimination.
A request to StatCan for confirmation was not obtained by press time.
Funding for the program comes from Ottawa’s Tenant Protection Fund. Announced as part of Ottawa’s 2024 budget, the fund has committed $15 million over five years to provide access to legal information and “advice services” for Canadian renters.
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