Press Release

September 7, 2010

As Ottawa loses affordable rental housing through fires, demolitions and exorbitant rent increases, tenants will meet at City Hall on Saturday, September 25^th, for the fourth annual Ottawa Tenants’ Conference.  The Tenants’ Conference is a unique event in Ontario and perhaps Canada.  It is designed to bring tenants together to provide education and a forum for tenants who rent on the private market or live in social housing.  The goal of the conference is to help mobilize and empower tenants while at the same time offering practical advice to those having problems with their landlords.

This year’s conference will have a Mayoral All-Candidates Debate to focus on how municipal policy decision makers can affect the rights and interests of tenants in Ottawa.  The day will include various workshops on tenants’ rights and relevant issues.  In addition to guest speakers, there will also be a Tenants’ Panel consisting of several tenants who have organized in their buildings and had positive outcomes.

Lawyers will be available in the morning to give free legal advice to tenants wishing to discuss their specific problems about their landlords.  All participants will receive a Resource Kit of practical information about tenants’ rights and services available to help them.

The conference runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm at City Hall located at 110 Laurier Avenue. A light breakfast and free lunch will be provided.  Admission is free but tenants must register in advance by calling 613-563-4523, extension 456.  Tenants should indicate if they require assistance with bus tickets or daycare arrangements.

The conference is being organized by Housing Help, Ottawa’s Community Legal Clinics, the Housing Loss Prevention Network, the Coalition of Community Developers and local tenant activists.

For further information about the Conference, please visit our website at ottawatenantsconference.ca

To speak to someone you may contact Rob MacDonald at 613-563-4532, extension 226,