« I do think there is room for the legislation to change, » [Tammy] Wohler said. « That we can take into account things like a housing crisis. » There continues to be a need to strengthen the protections for tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act.

See article and interview at CBC News Article – January 10, 2025

We believe decision-makers can, and should, take judicial notice of the housing crisis. It is widely known and accepted that there is a housing crisis in Halifax and in communities across the province. Credible sources have repeatedly recognized this.

Last week StatsCan released data showing 66% of Nova Scotians experienced a housing challenge related to affordability, suitability, condition or discrimination last year. The Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia says that last month more than 1,200 people were unhoused in HRM.

Below please find a press release issued by the Province today and it can also be found here, https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/05/16/more-funding-legal-aid-services, regarding increased funding for Legal Aid. Below you will also find a copy of NSLA’s press release. This investment will enable Nova Scotia Legal Aid to continue to provide high-quality, caring and dedicated legal services to clients.

Further updates will be communicated to Certificate Lawyers and other stakeholders as Nova Scotia Legal Aid makes the necessary adjustments to its Certificate System and Tariff.

More Funding for Legal Aid Services – Government of Nova Scotia News Release (May 16, 2024)

NS Legal Aid Commission Tariff News Release (May 16, 2024)

Nova Scotia Legal Aid is excited to announce our Enhanced Financial Eligibility Program, currently being piloted exclusively for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Victoria County area. Further details regarding the pilot can be found below.

 

 

Changes to the Province’s rent supplement program will expand eligibility for low-income seniors and put more money in the pockets of seniors who receive the supplement.

« We know many people are struggling to find an affordable place to live and a rent supplement can help with the cost of rent – especially for low-income seniors, » said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. « I made a commitment to Nova Scotians to do whatever I can to ensure as many people as possible have access to safe and affordable housing, faster. We are looking at our programs and practices and making changes that will make a difference to Nova Scotians in need. »

Effective today, October 10, Nova Scotia, with the support of the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is changing the criteria used to determine seniors’ eligibility for the supplement and the formula for the amount they can receive.

The criteria and formula had both used 95 per cent of the average market rent in the senior’s area rather than the full amount. Now, 100 per cent of the average market rent is used, which means more seniors will qualify and the supplement increases.

With the eligibility change, more than 100 low-income seniors could qualify for a supplement. Seniors who have previously applied to the program but did not qualify must reapply.

Details regarding this program can be found at:  Rent Supplement Program

Below please find information regarding the above-noted which you may wish to share within your community. Further information regarding Duty Counsel Day can be found at: National Duty Counsel Day.

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Hey teachers!
If you like justice, we have a day for you. October 27 is Duty Counsel Day. Deliver informative, curriculum-based lessons based on the role of legal aid duty counsel in the Canadian justice system. Our free lesson library is full of ideas you can download and use for your classroom or virtual classroom. Register now for your free teaching kit.

Duty Counsel Day in the Classroom (knowdutycounsel.ca)