Yukon NDP wants more public engagement on RLTA review

February 12, 2024

WHITEHORSE, YT — The Yukon NDP is calling for more public engagement ahead of the Yukon Government’s (YG’s) review of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA).

The NDP’s urgency reflects concerns voiced at a public engagement session in Whitehorse Tuesday, Feb. 6, about the lack of engagement and diverse representation, and a general overrepresentation of landlords’ concerns.

The Party has since heard from several Yukoners who said the engagement sessions weren’t well advertised, and that they were announced too late for people to arrange for childcare or time off work.

Party Leader Kate White, who attended part of last Tuesday’s session, wants more than one session for English speakers in Whitehorse.

“There must be meaningful engagement here. I’m saying that as a landlord and as someone who cares deeply about tenants’ rights.  I want to see more outreach from YG, because Yukoners need to know the feedback they give now will set the tone for changes to the RLTA next Spring,” White said Monday, Feb. 12.  

White is meanwhile encouraging Yukoners to fill out YG’s online survey on specific aspects of the RLTA, including how the Act will deal with rent increases and the ending of tenancies.

“This is a quick, anonymous survey asking Yukoners important questions about housing and the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords. Yukoners need to know the survey’s results will have a very real, lasting impact on housing in the territory. Please have your say now,” White stressed.

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