By Bre McAdam

Saskatchewan NDP want Premier Wall to impose rent control

Jun 10, 2011 | 4:35 PM

NDP Social Services critic David Forbes is urging Premier Brad Wall to impose more rent control after a report on Thursday revealed rent in Saskatchewan keeps getting higher.

Rent in both Regina and Saskatoon have increased considerably over the past year.

Numbers for April showed a 3.3 per cent increase in Saskatoon and 5.4 per cent in Regina.

“For example during session we saw people coming in to the legislature with rents of 50 per cent increases. So we need to make sure people don't get gauged,” said Forbes.

He points to Manitoba as a positive example of rent control.

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“Where there are exemptions for mom and pop operations, where people may be renting out of a basement suite, or brand new apartments that are being built,” said Forbes, adding it's going to take a combination of affordable rental space and tough regulations to make that happen in Saskatchewan.

Forbes is also asking Wall to release a housing strategy report in June instead of July.

However he's weary about how it will differ from similar reports that haven't resulted in any changes.

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