[homeles_ot-l] Fwd: Invitation to the 2nd annual tenants forum in Ottawa

[Rob MacDonald]

Hi, everyone,
Flyeres are attached for the second Ottawa Tenants' Conference which
will be held at City Hall on Saturday April 19, 2008.  It is a follow
up to the conference held last spring and is open to tenants residing
in both the private market and social housing..  The purpose of the
last conference was to provide information, education and a forum for
tenants to tell their stories.  Through the workshop sessions, tenants
were given an opportunity to discuss common problems and identify
solutions.  The recommendations that came out of the workshops
included more outreach and organizing services to tenants, enhancement
of Property Standards services, and an ombudsman for social housing
tenants. The recommendations were submitted to the Community and
Protective Services Committee last fall.

Although there have been some changes in the provincial landlord and
tenant legislation, tenants are still at a significant disadvantage,
the most egregious example being  the loss of rent control and low
vacancy rates, meaning landlords have more incentive to evict or
coerce tenants to move out as a means to raise rents.  In this
respect, many affordable rental units are lost simply through
attrition.

This year's conference will be held again at City Hall in Andrew
Haydon Hall.  The speakers include Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa
West, Dorothy O'Connell, local poverty activist and playwright, and
Alex Cullen, City Councillor for Bay Ward.  Lawyers will be available
throughout the day to assist tenants who are having problems or
disputes with their landlords. The event will be catered for lunch and
breaks, and bus tickets and daycare can also be provided if requested.

For registration or information, contact (613) 563-4532, extension 456
or register online at register at housinghelp.on.ca

Rob MacDonald
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