I am writing with concerns…

I am writing with concerns about issues in Bill 60. I have great concerns that the protections for tenants are being eroded and evictions will increase because of these changes. The wording in these changes are too broad. If it truly is about protecting good tenants and punishing bad tenants, then the language needs to change.

The Ontario government needs to make clear and specific definitions of what constitutes bad tenancy. Vague wording covers a broad range, and when housing is on the line, you need to be hyper specific about why and how someone can be evicted.

Even if it’s to protect one person, the language should protect people from bad landlords. No one should lose their home because the language in a law was not specific.

No Fault Renters must be protected. Make the language reflect what makes a bad renter, so there can be no doubt when action must be taken.

I have attached an article from the BBC that looks at renter and landlord protection changes happening in London.

In regards to the privatization of water management in Peel region, don’t do it.

Private companies do not have citizens as their top priority. Shareholders will always take precedence over people. There is a history of privatizing utilities and costing the people. We’ve seen it time and time again in Hamilton, in London England, and even in Ontario. Hydro One should be a public service, because it should not be a for profit model. People having energy in their homes should be a service, not something to profit off of a life essential.

We have seen Ontario energy prices increase by almost 30%. The government has subsidized the utility bills in Ontario so that it appears as a 3% increase. These are not sustainable, and our budget is almost half energy subsidies. This needs to change, and utilities must retain public ownership.

I have attached articles and research papers that address the rising cost, the poor maintenance, and ultimate failure of privatized utilities. The governments usually end up buying them back at an inflated cost.

None of this saves money for the province or the people.

Essential life needs, like housing, utilities, education, and healthcare, should be services provided to the people by the government. If they go to private companies the needs of the people will be pushed aside for the needs of shareholders. There is a pattern of this failing across history and the world.

Changes must be made to Bill 60 to protect the people of Ontario. Costs and rates of homelessness will increase, and thus increasing the costs of Ontario trying to mitigate the problems.

Thank you for your time and consideration,