In a discussion with Céline, Susan LeBlanc, NDP candidate for Dartmouth North, addressed pressing issues like affordable housing, health care, and tenant protections. LeBlanc emphasized the need to build 30,000 affordable rental units and implement rent-to-own programs, while advocating for stronger tenant rights and policies against “renovictions.” She highlighted solutions like prefabricated homes for displaced residents and proposed rent control tied to units rather than tenants to curb exploitative practices. On healthcare, LeBlanc pointed to a new Dartmouth North clinic and suggested expanding mental health crisis services. Standing amid boarded-up homes, she stressed the urgency of prioritizing truly affordable housing alongside responsible development.
Transcript:
Céline: All right, so thank you, Susan, for coming today. I know you have a very busy schedule. I’d like to introduce you, but I think everybody kind of knows you. But if you’d like to say something about yourself to the community?
Susan LeBlanc: Sure, should I look right at the camera?
Céline: Sure, by all means.
Susan LeBlanc: Hi, folks, I’m Sue LeBlanc. I have been the MLA for Dartmouth North for seven years, and now I’m running for reelection as the NDP candidate in this provincial election. Before I was in politics, I was a performer, theater maker, singer, actor, and a teacher of acting. I’m also a mom of two cute kids and one cute dog.
Céline: Absolutely cute dog and very cute kids. All right, so we’re going to start off with a question. In Ocean Breeze, we’re facing the reality of affordable housing being demolished, tenants being evicted, and there being no affordable units available in this local market. What would you do to make sure this situation doesn’t happen again?
Susan LeBlanc: I think we need to focus on building affordable homes that people can afford. The NDP platform includes building 30,000 quickly built affordable rental units and 500 prefabricated single-family homes as part of a rent-to-own program. People would pay rent geared to income, and that rent would go into an equity pot for five years to help them purchase the home.
Céline: For socially responsible development, what should the government or local MLA ask of Basin Heights, the property owners, regarding their responsibility to Ocean Breeze residents and the larger community?
Susan LeBlanc: It’s hard to compel corporate developers to make socially responsible decisions because their focus is profit. We need government policies to ensure tenants are treated well and fairly. For instance, rules about providing notice and payments to leave have helped some people relocate. Policies need to improve, such as preventing “renovictions” (evictions for profit) and requiring affordable housing options in any new developments. I also believe we need to look to non-profits, co-ops, and publicly built affordable housing to ensure long-term affordability.
Céline: What is your proposal for rent control and keeping rents affordable in Nova Scotia? How does this relate to fixed-term leases?
Susan LeBlanc: If we had proper rent control tied to the unit and not the tenant, we’d see less abuse of fixed-term leases. For example, if a unit costs $1,200, the next renter should pay the same amount, not $2,200, which is often happening now. Proper rent control would also include mechanisms for landlords to apply for justified rent increases based on maintenance costs.
Céline: How do you propose to increase truly affordable housing stock in Nova Scotia, particularly in HRM and Dartmouth? Will it be in time for people displaced in Ocean Breeze?
Susan LeBlanc: We can prioritize quickly built affordable homes, like prefabricated houses. These models worked post-war and can work now, including energy-efficient townhouses being built in Dartmouth North. With proper government choices, we could have new homes ready in time for displaced residents.
Céline: Health care is another key concern. What steps would you take to improve health care services, particularly mental health, and ensure everyone has access to a healthcare provider?
Susan LeBlanc: For primary care, Dartmouth North is getting a new clinic with doctors and nurse practitioners, a model that could be replicated across the province. For mental health, we propose a fourth emergency service focused on mental health crises, staffed by trained professionals dispatched from the 911 system. This would expand on HRM’s mobile mental health crisis unit.
Céline: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the community while we’re here around these boarded-up homes?
Susan LeBlanc: I find it unbelievable that while we have tent encampments in one part of Dartmouth North, we have affordable homes being demolished in another. We need development and density, but these must include homes that people can afford.
Céline: Thank you very much for coming out. Good luck!
Susan LeBlanc: And thank you for all the work you do for the people of Ocean Breeze.
Céline: Thank you very much.
Thank you Céline for standing up for us. I miss being in OceanBreeze. I do not miss the mess of not fixing my ceilings after last years leak that lasted 4 months or the peeling walls and ceiling. Those I do not miss.
Thank you Deborah , we miss you too