A recent Freedom of Information request has unveiled that the public housing waitlist in Nova Scotia has exceeded 8,000 individuals. This alarming figure has been highlighted by the province's official opposition party, the New Democrats (NDP), who have reported that the waitlist has increased by 1,200 people over the past eight months.

According to documents released to the NDP via a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) request from the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency, as of June 27, over 8,200 people were waiting for public housing across the province. This marks a significant rise in demand for affordable housing, indicating that more residents are struggling to find equitable living conditions.

Claudia Chender, the leader of the NDP, emphasizes that this spike in the waitlist reflects a broader issue of affordability in the housing market. According to Chender, many individuals and families have exhausted all other options as housing costs continue to rise, making it increasingly difficult for them to secure affordable accommodations. The increase in demand for public housing demonstrates a growing crisis that requires immediate attention.

To address this urgent situation, Chender urges the government to take decisive action, specifically calling for the closure of lease loopholes and the imposition of rent control measures. These steps, she argues, are essential for making apartments more affordable and accessible to those in need, especially as the number of people on the waitlist continues to grow.

This situation stands in stark contrast to data shared last October, when a legislature committee reported that more than 7,000 individuals were on the public housing waitlist. The jump to over 8,200 people within a span of just eight months underscores the escalating housing crisis in Nova Scotia.

The widespread concern regarding public housing and affordability reflects a growing sentiment among residents that immediate government intervention is vital to alleviate the crisis. As the demand for affordable housing remains high, the pressure on officials to enact effective housing policies continues to mount.