The New Brunswick government is expanding its rental subsidy with an additional $21 million in funding.
This expansion will help 2,500 more households each year, adding to the thousands already receiving support.
Randy Hatfield, executive director of the Human Development Council, highlighted the significant housing challenges renters face across the province, particularly in Saint John.
He noted from the last census that about 33 per cent of households in Canada rent, while in New Brunswick, that number is lower at 26 per cent due to the province’s rural nature.
Hatfield said that in the lower west side of Saint John, the percentage of renter households rises to about 71 per cent.
He added that Saint John has the highest percentage of renter households in the province at 45 per cent, followed closely by Moncton and Fredericton.
“We are seeing more people unable to maintain housing simply because they can’t afford it. Rental prices continue to climb, and the need for assistance is growing,” Hatfield said.
Since launching in January 2024, the rental benefit program has supported more than 6,100 households with income-based rent subsidies.
The benefit is provided directly to tenants rather than landlords, ensuring recipients maintain assistance even if they move.
Premier Susan Holt emphasized in her announcement on Tuesday in Saint John that the program gives renters more flexibility when securing housing.
“We want renters to have the choice to choose where they live, and this direct-to-tenant benefit allows them to do that. We want to improve the quality and the variety in New Brunswick,” Holt said.
Housing Minister David Hickey said the province’s affordable housing waitlist, which currently has 12,000 people, does not fully reflect the demand.
“The housing wait list is not a great assessment of need. The need is far greater than that actual number,” Hickey said.
He added that movement off the list has traditionally been slow, meaning those waiting often remain stuck in the system without access to stable housing.
This expanded benefit is intended to help more renters who qualify receive assistance.
The province says this funding will ensure more households can remain housed or access affordable rental options.
It is one of several affordable housing programs and rental supplements currently offered by the government.
More eligibility information and instructions on how to apply are available by calling 211.
