As the COVID-19 crisis evolves rapidly, countries around the world are stepping in to aid renters and homeowners affected by the economic fall-out. While Canada’s political leaders have publicly stated that no one will be left to worry about paying rent or mortgages, there has been to concrete policy or legislation introduced.

The only response appears to be from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Canada’s national housing agency. They intend to support lenders to allow deferral of mortgage payments for up to six months for those impacted by the coronavirus. This support will be offered through an existing program that helps struggling homeowners.

Other countries have responded more aggressively to support renters and mortgagees. In Italy, the government has suspended debt payments, like mortgages, to help Italians cope with the financial costs of the coronavirus outbreak.

In the United States, a growing number of jurisdictions are placing a ban on evictions until the pandemic is finished. In Massachusetts, legislators introduced a ban on foreclosures as well as evictions for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.

Calls for similar mortgage freezes and eviction bans are increasing across the world, in countries where mass self-isolation and lockdowns have resulted in lost wages for many. Unions and advocacy groups in Canada are also ringing the alarm, calling on governments to enact similar legislation.

UPDATE: Ontario has halted new evictions until further notice.

Tell Your Premier to Ban Evictions During the Coronavirus Pandemic