Several new bills were introduced in the New Brunswick legislature today including a provincial rent cap and relief at the gas pump.
The removal of the carbon adjuster is expected to get royal assent by mid-December.
“As promised, we are taking immediate action to address the affordability challenges facing New Brunswickers,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy, a minister responsible for energy. “Removing the cost of carbon adjuster, along with other measures like a rent cap and removing the equivalent of the provincial sales tax on electricity bills, are all aimed at making life more affordable here in our province.”
The removal of the carbon adjuster could result in up to a four-cent per litre reduction at the pumps for New Brunswickers.
Holt and her government have promised to move quickly on financial relief.
On Wednesday, the Minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation David Hickey also introduced the rent cap legislation. As of Feb. 1, 2025, rent increases in New Brunswick will be capped at three per cent per year.
“Access to affordable housing for New Brunswick renters is urgently needed,” said David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. “This measure will help protect renters from rapidly increasing housing costs, eliminate surprise rent hikes, and, most importantly, keep new Brunswickers housed.”
According to the Human Development Council, about 1,341 people are considered homeless between the three major urban centres of Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton. About 757 are considered chronically homeless.
The department said in a release that once the rent cap is in place, tenants must receive six months’ written notice of the rental increase. Also, a landlord can only issue a rent increase once every 12 months.
Any tenant who gets a notice that is more than three per cent should contact the Tenant and Landlord Relations officer to request a formal review.
“We know affordability remains top of mind for New Brunswickers,” said CEO of the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. “Together with our partners, we will continue to address every piece that is putting pressure on housing across our province so that everyone has access to a safe and affordable place to call home.”
Author
