William Crooks
Spokesman Mario Mercier addressed the media outside the Association des locataires de Sherbrooke following a press conference where he outlined the urgent need for social housing investments
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
On Jan. 22, Mario Mercier, spokesman for the Association des locataires de Sherbrooke, addressed the media to share his concerns about proposed rent increases that could exacerbate financial pressures on tenants across the city. Speaking at the association’s headquarters, Mercier highlighted the multifaceted impacts of the Tribunal administratif du logement’s recent decisions, urging both tenants and policymakers to take action.
“For many tenants, this is catastrophic,” Mercier said, describing the new guidelines which allow rent increases up to 6.3 per cent in Sherbrooke—a figure that combines a baseline 5.9 per cent hike with municipal tax adjustments. Rent hikes can climb even higher in cases where significant renovations have been undertaken. He provided a specific example: “A $5,000 renovation can result in an average increase of $85-$90 per month.”
Mercier noted that while these increases may seem to align with inflation, the reality for tenants tells a different story. According to him, housing costs have consistently outpaced general inflation rates, contributing to widespread financial strain. “In many cases, we’re seeing rents double or triple the rate of inflation,” he explained, citing the pressures this puts on already stretched household budgets.
Rising costs force tough choices
Mercier emphasized the broader ramifications of rent increases on low-income households. “For a typical tenant family, every dollar spent on rent means one less dollar for essentials,” he said, listing necessities such as food, clothing, and heating. “Children might go to school hungry, families might forego winter clothing, and heating bills could go unpaid. These are the real human costs of what’s happening.”
Mercier also painted a stark picture of the systemic challenges faced by tenants. He criticized the minimal legal recourse available, pointing out that only about 1 to 1.5 per cent of tenants contest rent increases through official channels. Many fear reprisals or are unaware of their rights. “We tell tenants to use the law,” Mercier urged. “If you receive an increase of $100 or $200, contest it. But the system is underused, and that’s part of the problem.”
Calls for systemic change
Mercier’s critique extended beyond landlords to provincial and federal governments, which he accused of failing to provide adequate funding and programs for social housing. “Social housing needs to be a priority,” he stated. “We need more public and cooperative housing, where profit isn’t part of the equation.”
The waiting lists for co-op and non-profit housing in Sherbrooke underscore the scale of the problem. Mercier highlighted how these alternatives—which are generally more affordable due to their non-profit model—are increasingly inaccessible. “The demand far exceeds supply,” he said, noting that many tenants are now on extensive waitlists, trying to “knock on as many doors as possible.”
While acknowledging the provincial government’s efforts to build new housing, Mercier argued that current approaches fail to address underlying issues. “Every time we build new housing, it’s pushing up prices,” he explained. “It might help alleviate shortages, but it’s not solving the affordability crisis.”
He also proposed repurposing existing buildings for social housing, such as converting unused community spaces like churches or public libraries into affordable living spaces. He specifically cited the Sainte-Famille church as a candidate for such a transformation.
Human costs of inaction
Mercier also warned about the broader societal impacts of unaffordable housing, including increased homelessness and social exclusion. “When people can’t pay their rent, they’re not just evicted from their homes—they’re pushed into precarious situations,” he said. “Landlords aren’t social workers; they’re there to make a profit, and they’ll use the laws to their advantage.”
He cited examples of landlords demanding illegal security deposits or leveraging power imbalances to extract higher rents. Mercier urged the government to enforce existing laws more strictly and to consider measures like freezing rent increases for certain vulnerable populations.
A path forward
As part of the Association des locataires de Sherbrooke’s response, Mercier outlined a series of initiatives aimed at empowering tenants. The association plans to expand its outreach through workshops and legal education sessions across Sherbrooke. “We’re bringing quality legal information directly to the community,” he said, noting that these efforts are vital given the association’s limited capacity to offer individual consultations.
Mercier concluded his remarks with a call for collective action, urging tenants to advocate for their rights and for governments to step up their investments in social housing. “We need to prioritize people who are struggling, not just those who can afford luxury,” he said. “If we fail to act now, the consequences will be dire for thousands of families.”