Andrés Fontecilla, MNA for Laurier-Dorion and Québec solidaire’s housing critic, introduced a bill today to allow companion animals in rental housing, following through on his commitment in March to introduce the bill before the current session of Parliament comes to an end.
Côte Saint-Luc City Councillor responsible for Animal Welfare Mike Cohen applauded the initiative. "We still have apartments and condo buildings in our community who do not allow dogs or cats," he said. "Bravo to Québec solidaire for taking into account our furry companions."
The MNA made the announcement alongside Québec solidaire spokesperson Manon Massé and Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and of Legal and Government Affairs at the Montreal SPCA.
“There are 36 days left before July 1, and what we’re seeing in the field is that finding animal-friendly housing in the midst of a housing crisis has become a real uphill battle. It’s already especially tough to find affordable housing this year—it’s even tougher if you have a companion animal. It’s unacceptable that thousands of Quebecers have to choose between giving up their four-legged friend or finding a place to live, when the solution is simple,” said Fontecilla.
Bill 494, introduced by Mr. Fontecilla, would amend the Civil Code to render ineffective lease clauses that prohibit companion animals. Upon entry into force of the law, all new leases would no longer be able to include a prohibition on companion animals. Existing leases would also be covered by the law under a transitional provision.
Animal—and Human—Welfare!
Speaking at the press conference, Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and of Legal and Governmental Affairs at the Montreal SPCA, reminded the audience of the high number of animals abandoned in Quebec during the rapidly approaching moving season.
“As is the case every year, moving season hits us hard at the Montreal SPCA. Trouble finding animal-friendly housing is one of the main reasons why animals are abandoned at shelters. That’s why we’ve been fighting for over ten years to ban no-pet clauses in residential leases. We are filled with hope as we lend our support to the bill Québec solidaire tabled this morning,” said Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and of Legal and Government Affairs at the Montreal SPCA.
“The health benefits of having a companion animal are well known; they reduce stress, lower blood pressure and even help alleviate loneliness among those living alone, especially seniors. Some studies even suggest that seniors with a companion animal go to the doctor 30% less than those without! Allowing people to keep their animals in their homes can improve tenants’ well-being at a time when the housing crisis is taking hold,” added Manon Massé.
You may recall that last June, Manon Massé tabled a petition from the Montreal SPCA at the National Assembly calling for a ban on residential lease clauses prohibiting animals, a petition that garnered over 33,000 signatures.
To support the bill click here.
