Jessica Bell MPP, University–Rosedale

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) has released a statement after his private member’s bill, Protecting Vulnerable Persons in Supportive Living Accommodation Act, 2020 (Bill 164), was passed unanimously at second reading in the Ontario legislature Monday:
 
“Supportive living accommodations fill a critical need in communities all over the province but the lack of proper regulation with no minimum standards has resulted in suffering, deplorable conditions, and even death. Stories of a lack of food, cockroach infestations, fire hazards and other dangers have been documented. This bill is designed to fix that, and to make supportive living accommodations a safe option for people who need help to live independently.
 
This bill guarantees better safety for vulnerable Ontarians, and helps keep and expand a critical step in the housing continuum – supportive living. The legislation provides a framework for operators and sets minimum standards that must be met so that vulnerable tenants are no longer at risk, it requires all operators of these homes to be licensed, and introduces inspection and complaint protocols.
 
I welcome today’s unanimous vote with support from all parties in the legislature, and I am grateful for the strong support I have received from advocates, municipalities and professionals in this field. While the unanimous support for the second reading is an important step forward, the Official Opposition NDP will now be keeping up the pressure on the Ford government to ensure this becomes law, and Ontarians in supportive living accommodations can finally get the protection they need to keep them safe.”