Lobby Committee Update

By Max Reich, PPMA Secretary, Lobby Committee Chair

Dear Members:

You have no doubt noticed that over the past number of weeks, there has been a lot of discussion about rent control in the newspapers, on the television and on the radio.

This is a direct result of the efforts of your Board of Directors and the Lobby Committee to educate the media, government and the public about the detrimental effects of rent controls within our city and province.

It is equally important that ALL MEMBERS join us in educating the public, media and government regarding the outdated policies of the current rent control regimen.

To achieve this, we ask that YOU write letters to the editors of all newspapers, speak to any and all public officials whom you have contact with, etc. Governments do not lead ... they follow. They follow public opinion-if they feel that the public wants change, they will change the regulations pertaining to rent controls.

Four main points that the PPMA have been lobbying for are:

• Rental guideline increases equal to the CPI set annually
• Catch up period for 7% disparity created over past 13 years between CPI and rent increases
• Temporary rent control exemption for voluntarily vacated suites, until re-rented.
• And permanent rent control exemption for all newly constructed private rental properties.

Last year the PPMA commissioned Jim August & Consultants to prepare a report of rent controls and their negative effects in Winnipeg and throughout the province. To receive a copy of this report, please contact the PPMA office at 444-4832 or via e-mail at tmoreton@juno.com.

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