Kamloops-South Thompson MLA and provincial housing critic Todd Stone says he'll be monitoring to see whether the renters support program is meeting the needs of people during the COVID-19 crisis (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

RENTERS ASSISTANCE

Kamloops MLA Stone hopes funding for renters comes soon as Apr. 1 nears

Mar 26, 2020 | 4:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — Todd Stone acknowledges the importance of Wednesday’s announcement by the B.C. government of $500 in financial support in wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

“It’s universally acknowledged that nobody wants to see anybody lose their home, whether they’re a renter or a landlord, or a homeowner for that matter,” said the Kamloops-South Thompson MLA and housing critic.

But Stone wants to see that money get into the pockets of citizens as soon as possible, preferably before the beginning of April.

“I’m quite concerned, I’m certainly hearing a lot of concern from folks as April 1st bears down on us, the next critical date in a renter’s calendar, a critical date in a landlord’s calendar as well,” Stone told CFJC Today. “We know there are going to be a tremendous number of people, because of the financial strain they’re under, that are going to have some significant challenges with their rent.”

Stone cited an MNP study in January that revealed 46 percent of B.C. residents are $200 or less away from insolvency.

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Like the rest of the province, he will monitor the program as the pandemic progresses to see its effectiveness.

“To determine or not, from a renters’ perspective and a landlords’ perspective, or even small businesses for that matter who will have rent due. We’re going to be keeping an eye out on this to ensure the program announced is truly effective and that it hit the intended mark.”