Former Québec solidaire spokeswoman Françoise David said the Legault government plans to introduce Bill 198, which aims to expand the protection of the elderly to face evictions.
“I'm happy, because in the crisis everyone is going through, if there's something to protect the elderly more, I'd be very happy,” said François David, Quebec's former spokesman. Organized by QS on Tenants' Rights on Sunday in Montreal.
In February 2023, Québec solidaire proposed a bill to expand the scope of the “Françoise David law”, which since 2016 provided protection to seniors aged 70 and living in their homes for more than 10 years.
Quebec solider asked the government to expand the criteria to include people aged 65 and over, low-income people who have lived in their home for at least five years.
“If passed, it will further protect senior tenants. It is not a panacea, it will not solve all problems, but for elderly tenants and especially women, it will provide one more tool,” says M.me David.
Towards a debate in the assembly
The Legault government confirmed to Québec solidaire that it intends to invite the bill next week, said Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, the party's co-spokesperson.
There are several steps before the bill is adopted, notes M.me David. In parliamentary jargon, he explains, “we call a bill first” and then “debate” it. “I am very interested in following the work till the end. »
Mr. For Nadeau-Dubois, the bill is “a glimmer of hope for the tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of seniors in Quebec who don't want to keep their homes and don't want to end up on the street.”
He argues that the government rarely invites opposition bills in the National Assembly. “This is an opportunity we must not miss,” he declared, adding that he would approach the government of François Lecoult. “Let's work together this week to protect Quebec seniors against eviction. We can do it. It's time to unite. »
