Passage of Bill 97 - Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act - Statement from OREA CEO Tim Hudak

"In today’s housing environment, it’s more important than ever that homeowners and tenants in Ontario have affordable and safe places to live. To do that, we must have robust consumer protections in place and continue to deliver on the government’s goal to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) congratulates Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, and Associate Minister of Housing Nina Tangri on the passage of Bill 97. Known as the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, the new legislation aims to create more Ontario homeowners, protect renters, and encourage more quality rental supply, delivering on the Government’s targeted plan to solve the housing affordability crisis.

Ontario’s REALTORS^® are pleased to see several REALTOR^®-led solutions to address the housing supply and affordability crisis, including streamlining land-use planning policy and speeding up approvals at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Today’s initiatives are a step in the right direction, most notably through intensification around major transit stations, making it easier to convert commercial properties into housing, and rolling back exclusionary zoning.

OREA also commends Bill 97’s objective of strengthening protections for Ontario’s renters. By doubling fines for landlords who break the rules, punishing corporations that illegally evict tenants, helping tenants remain housed during hardships, and ensuring tenants know their rights, the government is emphasizing the importance of stability and safety.

Ontario REALTORS^® commend the Ford Government for these initiatives to support future homeowners, tenants, and mom-and-pop landlords across the province, which will significantly advance the long-term goal of increasing supply and affordability for Ontario families."

– Tim Hudak, CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association