Qu\u00e9bec solidaire says it would impose severe penalties against landlords who routinely and persistently neglect their properties \u2014 and, by extension, the tenants who live in them \u2014 with measures including much higher fines than are currently levied and even expropriation.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one of the measures the party adopted at a weekend gathering of 350 delegates in Montreal to prepare its platform for the 2026 election campaign. The platform also includes positions on such topics as the cost of living and wealth redistribution.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn every crisis, there are those who profit and others who pay the price. The housing crisis is no exception,\u201d said Qu\u00e9bec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal. \u201cWe can\u2019t even keep track anymore of the testimonies of tenants who live in disgraceful conditions in dilapidated buildings where the heat is cut off in winter, just because the owners can afford the paltry fines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this announcement, we are sending a clear signal: No more impunity. If you mistreat your tenant repeatedly, we\u2019ll crack down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Qu\u00e9bec solidaire is proposing three measures to prevent and curtail neglect by landlords: <\/p>\n
Applying laws and existing fines assiduously, in co-ordination with the Tribunal administratif du logement and municipal inspectors; <\/p>\n
Raising existing fines by $10,000 with each repeat infraction, to a maximum of $100,000 for an individual and $200,000 for a legal entity; <\/p>\n
Giving the Quebec government and municipalities the power to expropriate buildings owned by landlords who are repeat offenders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hear too many stories that break our hearts of poor tenants \u2026 who live in deplorable conditions because of the greed of some,\u201d said Qu\u00e9bec solidaire co-spokesperson Sol Zanetti. \u201cIn imposing real fines, in daring to speak of expropriation, we are proposing a clear solution \u2014 one that is effective and resolutely progressive for people who are already struggling so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
The leftist sovereignist party would also like to impose higher taxes on people who have more than $25 million. In a measure adopted at the weekend gathering, delegates voted in favour of \u201ca progressive tax\u201d on fortunes exceeding that amount.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to look for money in the pockets of multimillionaires and put it into measures that will really improve the daily lives of the majority of Quebecers,\u201d said Ghazal.<\/p>\n
Qu\u00e9bec solidaire is suggesting an annual tax of one per cent on fortunes of between $25 million and $100 million and two per cent for fortunes of more than $100 million. This measure would affect about 4,000 people, according to the party, and bring $5 million into the province\u2019s coffers.<\/p>\n
QS also put forward the idea of a pilot project for wholesale, \u201cCostco-style\u201d public grocery stores. As proposed by MNA Alejandra Zaga Mendez, the model is for a food wholesaler that would buy and sell local products in a bid to improve access to food at lower prices and highlight local products, and also to compete with large grocery chains. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an effective way to create competition and to lower the price of groceries,\u201d Ghazal told reporters.<\/p>\n
Such a project would support the development of co-operative grocery stores, among other things, according to the party. These \u201cfood warehouses\u201d for the public would be mainly in food deserts and in regions where there is no competition.<\/p>\n
QS would also place a ceiling of two per cent on the profit margins of large grocery chains and ban such practices as shrinkflation, the practice of reducing a product\u2019s size, weight or quantity while keeping its retail price the same, and dynamic pricing, where prices for products change based on market demand, supply, competition and customer behaviour.<\/p>\n
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