Québec Solidaire housing plan targets rentals, promises 50,000 social units
The left-wing party unveiled commitments to crack down on renovictions and illegal Airbnbs while capping annual rent increases at the inflation rate.
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Québec Solidaire outlined an ambitious housing agenda Monday, pledging to add 50,000 social housing units in its first term while targeting illegal short-term rentals and protecting renters from displacement.
The party's platform includes measures to crack down on renovictions—evictions tied to building renovation—and to stop illegal Airbnbs operating in residential buildings. Annual rent increases would be capped at the rate of inflation under the plan, which also prioritizes urban densification to increase housing supply.
Public transit and education rank among the party's top five priorities. Québec Solidaire committed to hiring 2,000 professional educators and education support staff. Co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal attributed part of the sector's staffing crisis to the CAQ government's secularism laws, which have caused qualified staff to leave the public system.
The party supports holding a referendum on Quebec independence, though only 16 per cent of Québec Solidaire's own supporters favour one. The announcement comes as younger Quebec voters have expressed frustration that parties weren't addressing their priorities ahead of the October 5 election. Community groups demanded housing and homelessness be central to campaign platforms in June; Québec Solidaire proposed a homelessness "superminister" in August to centralize government action on the issue.
What is the timeline and total cost for the 50,000 housing units, and how would they be funded?
How would the party enforce caps on Airbnb rentals, and what penalties would apply to violators?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many social housing units does Québec Solidaire pledge to add?
Québec Solidaire pledges to add 50,000 social housing units in its first term.
How many educators will Québec Solidaire commit to hiring?
Québec Solidaire committed to hiring 2,000 professional educators and education support staff.
What will Québec Solidaire cap rent increases to?
Annual rent increases would be capped at the inflation rate under Québec Solidaire's housing plan.
