July 16, 2009
James Must Apologize for Needlessly Scaring Tenants

VICTORIA – NDP leader Carole James must apologize for the reckless and irresponsible letter sent by one of her MLAs to seniors that incorrectly said they were at risk of being evicted so that the owners could raise rents.

"Carole James promised she would lead a more positive and constructive NDP following their recent electoral defeat yet it’s clear from this action by her MLA that nothing has changed,” says Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman. "There's no excuse for an MLA to do no research and then send out incorrect information to seniors informing them they are at risk of being evicted and losing their homes without getting the facts first.”

Coleman was responding to reports in the Vancouver Province that NDP MLA Spencer Herbert had sent a letter to residents of the Breakers apartment building, warning them they faced possible eviction so the owners could capitalize on the Olympics.  However, the apartment manager has confirmed the letter is completely false, that no evictions have occurred because of the Olympics and the owners actually charge below market rent. Furthermore, the apartment manager said the notice, "damaged the reputation of the owners, a couple in their 90s, and panicked the mostly elderly tenants."  When approached with this information, Herbert confirmed he had done no research prior to sending a letter that was clearly aimed at scaring tenants and maligning the landlord.

"Spreading false information that sends seniors into a panic while maligning the reputation of a 90-year-old couple is a new low for the NDP,” says Coleman. “The public expects more from the NDP then a party so desperate to gain political support that it will deliberately scare senior citizens. Carole James must immediately apologize to both the residents and the 90-year-old owners of Breakers apartment for the grossly irresponsible and callous behavior of her party.”

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