Yukon gov't scraps rent caps, brings back no-cause evictions

Big changes are coming for Yukon renters, and not everyone is happy about them. The governing Yukon party has voted to scrap rent caps and bring back no-cause evictions. The government says the changes could help bring more rental homes onto the market, but critics warn they could make housing even less secure for tenants. Dana Hatherly reports. Annie Pelicano owns a duplex in Whitehorse. She's appalled by the news. Pelicano feels for tenants across the territory who she believes are more likely to be negatively affected by the changes. Official opposition leader Kate White says despite best efforts to get data and jurisdictional scans, she didn't get answers. White suggests the governing Yukon party is is basing its decision on ideology over evidence. Premier Kerry Dixon says he's been opposed to rent caps since the previous Liberal government introduced them, under a supply and confidence deal with the NDP. Dixon says he's closely watching its impact on the rental market. If more supply comes online, then, Dixon says, the changes are working. The Yukon Residential Landlords Association estimates more than 200 units have been pulled off the market since 2021. Association President Lars Hartling says he believes the changes will help balance the market. Dana Hatherly, CBC News, Whitehorse.