Protesters gathered in Montreal on Canada Day to voice their opposition to rising rents, presenting the Quebec government with a list of three demands aimed at easing the housing crisis. The demonstration, organized by tenant advocacy groups, drew dozens of participants who marched through the city's downtown core carrying signs and chanting slogans.
Three Key Demands
The protesters are calling for the Quebec government to implement a rent freeze for existing tenants, increase funding for social housing, and strengthen rent control regulations to prevent landlords from imposing excessive increases between tenancies. According to the organizers, these measures are necessary to protect low- and middle-income households from being priced out of their neighborhoods.
"The current system is failing tenants," said Marie-Claude Tremblay, a spokesperson for the coalition. "We need immediate action to stop the bleeding." The group estimates that rents in Montreal have risen by over 30% in the past five years, far outpacing wage growth.
Broader Context of Housing Crisis
The protest comes amid a nationwide affordability crunch, with Canada's housing market experiencing record prices and rental shortages. In Quebec, the vacancy rate in Montreal hovered around 1.5% in 2025, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, giving landlords significant leverage. The protesters argue that the government's current approach, including the recent reform of the Rental Board, has not gone far enough.
"We are here to remind the government that housing is a right, not a commodity," added Tremblay. The group is urging the province to declare a housing emergency and unlock funds from the federal government's National Housing Strategy.
Government Response Pending
Quebec's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has not yet issued a formal response to the demands. However, in a recent statement, Minister Andrée Laforest acknowledged the challenges facing renters and said the government is exploring new measures to increase supply and protect tenants. The protesters plan to escalate their actions if no progress is made within 60 days.
