EDMONTON - Another two dozen Albertans struggling with huge rent increases converged on the legislature Wednesday looking for government help.
Some renters talked about people they knew committing suicide after being forced from their homes and becoming destitute. Others say their only affordable choice is to live in neighbourhoods infested with drug addicts and prostitutes.
Bernadette Thomas, who lives on disability benefits, says she was forced to move out of her Edmonton apartment after it was turned into a condo.
The Opposition says people are moving to Saskatchewan because they can no longer afford rents in Calgary.
"When people are leaving Alberta because of housing costs it tells you that they're desperate,'' said Liberal Leader Kevin Taft.
"When people are being driven out of here as economic refugees leaving Alberta, we know that there's a crisis.''
Housing Minister Ray Danyluk says 6,000 Albertans will qualify for rent subsidies that recently increased to $33 million for the new fiscal year.
But Danyluk continues to reject a call by the government's own housing task force to implement short-term rent controls.
"Rent controls do not work,'' he told the assembly.
"If we end up in a rent control situation, there will be units that will be turned over to condos, there will be no building that will take place and it will be a worse situation.''
Premier Ed Stelmach was equally emphatic in the legislature, stating that rent controls are "not a magic bullet.''
"We will have less housing on the marketplace by following that kind of policy,'' the premier said to thunderous applause from government members.
But the Liberals say rent controls should be embraced because the government's solutions are simply not working.
The opposition points out that only a small fraction of the people coming to the legislature complaining of rent hikes of up to $1,000 per month will qualify for rent subsidies.
NDP Leader Brian Mason says it's mind-boggling that many Canadians who moved to Alberta are now having to return home as rents have doubled and even tripled in some cities.
"I would say it's almost surreal that people come here because it's the land of opportunity and have to turn around and go back to Saskatchewan or other provinces because they can't find a place to live.''
Employment Minister Iris Evans told the assembly that problems with a telephone help line for renters have now been resolved so people can get information on whether they qualify for assistance.
"They can get through, they can be heard and we're anxious to speak to them.''
But Liberal member Harry Chase chided Evans, saying he hoped that people struggling with higher rents don't have their phones disconnected while they're waiting for government help.
