Evictions during pandemic could increase spread of COVID-19: Waterloo region lawyer

A lawyer in Waterloo region is speaking out against ongoing tenant evictions during the pandemic that she worries could increase the spread of COVID-19.

There were 196 households facing eviction hearings in Waterloo region between Nov. 24 and Dec. 18, according to Kristen Thompson, staff lawyer at Waterloo Region Community Legal Services, which provides services for low income community members.

Thompson said the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) and Court Enforcement Office usually shutter operations over the holidays, but that wasn't the case this year. It has been working through a backlog resulting from the eviction moratorium at the start of the pandemic. That means evictions were enforced over the holidays and during the current lockdown.

"My concern is, as we enter a lockdown, without ensuring that our neighbours have a place to call home, we will see an increase spread of COVID-19. For example, tenants evicted might have to rely on the shelter system or go to crowded homes of friends and family, which would decrease the individuals ability to comply with social distancing directives," said Thompson, noting this could also overburden the shelter system.

Ontario's temporary moratorium on eviction orders was lifted in August.

Reinstate ban

Thompson, along with other advocacy groups and legal clinics in Ontario, is urging the province to reinstate a moratorium on evictions.  

"Essentially what I think we need to do is impose another eviction moratorium, so not allow evictions at this point in time and again look to what support government has given to make sure rent is paid," she said.

She said the government must consider increasing funding to local rent banks, providing rent subsidies to market units and increase investment into affordable housing.

Thompson said many people can't afford rent right now, especially during a pandemic that has left many either without work or struggling financially. She said those who continue to receive Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) or provincial social assistance either cannot afford rent or to enter a repayment plan.

On top of that, Thompson said, some tenants aren't attending their online eviction hearings because they can't access legal assistance or don't have access to technology.

NDP motion passed

Advocates and residents, including those in Toronto, have protested for the ban. The Ontario NDP party has also been outspoken on the issue.

Earlier this month, the legislature unanimously passed a motion put forward by Suze Morrison, NDP tenants rights critic, to ban residential evictions, but a law has not been imposed. 

"So many families have lost their job or income through no fault of their own during this horrific pandemic. Yet Doug Ford is showing them no mercy. He refuses to sign an eviction ban into law," said Morrison in an emailed statement to CBC News.

"In communities all over the province, many of these evicted people have no good options. Shelters are full, and it's a dangerous time to apartment hunt, or to crash with friends or family from another household. These evictions are putting people at risk of catching and spreading COVID-19," Morrison added.

When asked by CBC News to respond to calls for another moratorium, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing highlighted in an emailed statement new measures that were introduced to protect tenants such as the Canada-Ontario Housing benefit, which provides rent assistance.  

"We have also invested $510 million through the Social Services Relief Fund into our communities, which is being used toward rent banks and utility banks, and provides emergency loans for those most in need. We encourage those who are struggling to pay their rent to contact their local service manager to see what supports are available to them," the statement read.