HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s Opposition leader, Claudia Chender, has assumed the role of housing critic to highlight the ongoing housing crisis in the province. During a news conference on Tuesday, Chender expressed concerns about the lack of affordable housing and criticized the provincial government for not addressing this pressing issue.

Chender pointed out that since Tim Houston became premier in 2021, rental prices have skyrocketed, making apartments unaffordable for many residents. She stated, "If people can’t afford housing, they won’t stay in Nova Scotia."

The NDP leader reported alarming trends, including landlords advertising rental units without listed prices and the emergence of bidding wars for apartments. She emphasized that these practices are exacerbating the housing crisis.

Chender also noted the recent appointment of John White as the new housing minister by Premier Houston. However, she criticized the decision not to establish a separate housing department for him to manage.

To combat the crisis, Chender is urging the provincial government to implement rent controls that are tied to individual units rather than tenants. She believes this approach would reduce the incentive for landlords to evict tenants and subsequently raise rents.

The housing situation in Nova Scotia continues to be a significant concern for residents, and Chender's new role aims to bring more attention to the issue.

This report was first published on October 4, 2025.