Montreal organizations say the housing crisis is the leading cause of stress in psychiatric patients
The housing crisis is having a severe impact on tenants' mental health, say organizations calling on Premier François Legault to take action.
It has become the leading cause of stress for psychiatric patients in Quebec, according to the Regroupement des ressources alternatives en santé mentale au Québec (RRASMQ), which held a news conference in Montreal on Sunday along with the Regroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ).
The two groups presented an open letter addressed directly to Legault, which will be published in the media on Tuesday.
More than 300 organizations specializing in housing and mental health are imploring Legault to take concrete action to resolve the housing crisis, which is causing so much distress.
"Unfortunately, with the current orientations of the current Quebec government, there is no glimmer of hope that this situation will improve," said RCLALQ spokesperson and co-coordinator Cédric Dussault.
He noted "a growing sense of despair among tenants who contact housing committees and tenants' associations."
According to him, the increase in mental health problems is a consequence of the housing crisis.
"We is speaking directly to the premier to remind him of his responsibility to Quebec's tenants. Tenants represent over 40 per cent of the population that the premier must serve," said Dussault.
- Are you concerned about finding housing ahead of July 1? Please contact us for a possible news story: MontrealDigitalNews@BellMedia.ca
High rents, evictions and substandard housing can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia and even suicidal thoughts, say the RCLALQ and RRSAMQ.
The RRASMQ surveyed 35 resource organizations in the field to arrive at these conclusions.
RCLALQ co-coordinator Martin Blanchard pointed out that it is very difficult for tenants to get help from the housing tribunal when faced with eviction.
"Most of the phone calls tenants make to the Tribunal administratif du logement are hung up on before you can even speak to a human being. There's a robot that tells you 'all lines are busy' and then you hang up without even taking the time to leave a message," said Blanchard. "Imagine the situation when someone comes into your home and says 'you're leaving.' Imagine the strain that puts on people's mental health."
RRASMQ president Peter Belland is in the same situation. He has been threatened with eviction since 2018. The artist, who suffers from depression, has had to resort to food banks, while 80 per cent of his income goes towards paying his rent.
"This stress is weighing heavily on me. I can't get on with my work. My apartment is becoming a mess. My workshops are impractical," he said.
The self-employed worker, who lives in Cowansville, deplores the unaffordability of housing: "A landlord wants to put me out on the street because he'd like to be entitled to this money, which now seems normal."
If he moves out, he'll have to pay about five times more rent than he does now.
Concrete demands
The letter's signatories are calling for a moratorium on evictions for change of use, extensions and subdivisions, with the aim of reducing speculation.
They also want all repossessions and evictions to go through the housing tribunal, which could then ensure control and follow-up.
Finally, the organizations want a public rent register, a cap on rent increases and a government social housing program.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 5, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Amber Alert issued for 2 toddlers near Quebec City
Police have issued an Amber Alert for two children who have gone missing from the Saint-Raphaël area.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Quebec police investigating after entire herd of 75 cattle allegedly stolen
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.