CANADIAN FORCES RENT INCREASES UNACCEPTABLE
Hill launches petition campaign to protest rent increases

October 14, 2003

PRINCE GEORGE – Today in response to overwhelming concern being expressed by Canadian Forces families, Jay Hill, Canadian Alliance National Defence Critic, announced a petition campaign against reprehensible rent increases for Canadian Forces Housing.

“On November 1st, residents of Canadian Forces housing will be hit with yet another rent increase for their Private Married Quarters.  These rent hikes will far exceed the limits set out by the provinces and cancel out recent pay increases for military personnel,” commented Jay Hill, MP for Prince George - Peace River.   

“To add insult to injury, many of these Private Married Quarters are substandard and are in serious need of repair.  Yet the government shamefully demands the urban average for rent in housing well below acceptable standards.  The Canadian Forces Housing Authority in charge of managing these accommodations should freeze all rent increases at least until repairs are completed.” 

Residents of Private Married Quarters provided by the Canadian Forces Housing Authority have seen their rents jump by as much as 25%.  These rental increases far exceed the limits set out by the provinces to protect tenants, because federal properties are exempt from provincial laws.    

“Many outside the military community falsely believe Canadian Forces housing is simply a cheap source of accommodation.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  On-base housing provide military families with valuable community resources to address their specific needs,” concluded Hill.

Canadians concerned about the state of military housing are encouraged to obtain a copy of the petition by visiting, www.jayhillmp.com or www.canadianalliance.ca .