COVID-19: Benefits and Resources
A collection of information, resources, news and campaigns around the COVID-19 pandemic.
News
TVO: ‘There's so much fear’: Toronto renters worried about eviction during COVID-19
The pandemic has brought rents down, but not for everyone. The city remains unaffordable for many, and experts say government support is critical to avoiding a larger crisis
New Field Guide on Tenant Engagement in Retrofit Process
Posted on September 23, 2020
Nepean Neighbourhood ACORN Members Deliver Letter to Corporate Landlord
Two dozen ACORN members and tenants of the neighbourhood of Manor Village in Nepean delivered a letter of community demands to the downtown office of their landlord, “Smart Living Properties”.
ACORN's PRESS RELEASE: Doug Ford’s rent freeze legislation is full of loopholes that could worsen health and housing crisis.
Posted on September 17, 2020
The premier has introduced legislation that will freeze rents in 2021, but ACORN is concerned it could lead to more evictions unless it includes ‘vacancy control’, and freezes all above guideline increases (AGI’s)
Hamilton Spectator: Hamilton’s rental crisis demands action from government
In late August, the Ford government announced it was drafting legislation that will freeze rents in many parts of Ontario for 2021. In many quarters this was seen as very good news, but the reality is it will do very little to help tenants in Hamilton, who are increasingly being squeezed out by out-of-control rent increases.
CBC News: Steep increases stir up calls for rent control in Nova Scotia
The provincial government says the policy 'doesn't work'
Premières élections d'ACORN Lasalle * First Lasalle ACORN Election
Montreal ACORN held an election for the Lasalle chapter!
News 1130: 'Tsunami of evictions' won't hit B.C. renters when moratorium lifts: Landlord BC
With a moratorium on renter evictions set to end next week, thousands of British Columbians could soon be forced into homelessness, according to a housing activist.
Hamilton ACORN Report Release: Defending Our Homes
Today we released our report on the threats to the City of Hamilton's affordable housing and the bold action the city can take to protect low income and working class tenants.
The Concordian: OPINION: The case for cash: why turning away cash in the midst of a pandemic is a bad idea
Refusing cash payments disadvantages Canada’s most vulnerable populations
What Must the Federal Government Do for People?
Posted on September 21, 2020
Centretown Buzz: Tenants to get more protection from bugs, better notifications - next August
ACORN splashed cockroach cutouts across the grounds of City Hall to emphasize the importance of pest management to tenants.
Toronto Star Opinion: Toronto’s affordable housing plan a good start but falls short
When we ask our members or constituents to name the single biggest issue they face, their most common answer is how hard it is to find affordable housing.
Narcity: Protestors Stormed Doug Ford's House At The Crack Of Dawn To Demand Rent Relief
They brought megaphones.
BlogTO: Protesters gather outside Doug Ford's house to demand protection for renters
It's been more than two weeks since Premier Doug Ford announced that he would be introducing legislation to freeze rents on rent-controlled apartments across the province in 2021, but Ontario tenants have a number of demands they say will help ensure the move actually protects renters.
CityNews: Group protests outside Ford's home over protection for renters
The group ACORN protests outside the home of Premier Doug Ford on Sept. 15, 2020. The group wants more protection for renters.
ACORN Members Demand Rent Freeze to Include Vacancy Control, No AGIs and NO COVID Evictions
Posted on September 15, 2020
OurWindsor: Banks are embracing apps and some restaurants now require a smartphone to enter — so what happens if you don’t have one?
COVID-19 accelerated a change that was already happening: a digital shift by businesses large and small toward e-commerce and using technology for everyday purchases and services.
Toronto Star: Banks are embracing apps and some restaurants now require a smartphone to enter — so what happens if you don’t have one?
COVID-19 accelerated a change that was already happening: a digital shift by businesses large and small toward e-commerce and using technology for everyday purchases and services.
Hamilton Spectator: What’s the point in buying furniture? Queenston Road senior tormented by bedbugs
Eloise Keene, a senior who lives alone, has been sleeping in a chair in her apartment in Hamilton’s east end for two weeks.
CBC Ottawa: OCH tenants frustrated by months of low water pressure
Family unable to properly wash hands during pandemic, woman says
Brampton Guardian: Limited devices per household, slower internet at home: GTA school boards race to plug 'digital divide' for kids
With the countdown to back-to-school on, boards are racing to make sure kids staying home this fall have access to the computers and internet they need for remote learning.
Toronto Star: GTA school boards race to plug ‘digital divide’ as kids prepare for school with or without adequate devices and high-speed internet
With the countdown to back-to-school on, boards are racing to make sure kids staying home this fall have access to the computers and internet they need for remote learning.