August 19th, 2022

NDP celebrates human rights commission win on AC for renters

TORONTO — Official Opposition Housing critic Jessica Bell and the NDP are celebrating a ruling issued Friday by the Ontario Human Rights Commission that says landlords can’t ban air conditioning, calling it a human right.

In response to the Commission’s decision, Bell will re-table her motion in the legislature to change the Residential Tenancies Act so it includes not only a minimum legal temperature requirement, but a maximum temperature as well.

“Extreme heat makes life sickeningly unbearable for everyone, and it’s dangerous for people — especially seniors and people with disabilities,” said Bell. “I want to thank the Ontario Human Rights Commission for calling out dangerous air conditioner bans. Now, I’m calling on all members of the legislature to join me in protecting the people.

As part of its Green New Democratic Deal plan to help Ontario adapt to the climate crisis, the NDP is calling for an upgrade to Ontario’s building code, building retrofits to make housing greener and more energy efficient, and support for municipalities to strengthen their infrastructure and grow urban forests to lower temperatures in towns and cities.