Quebec to keep subsidizing rent for low-income families

The provincial government will extend a rental supplement for low-income families.

The program was to expire this year, but the government has decided to extend it.

Since 2000, the government has helped about 3,500 families across Quebec pay their rent, in a program that ensures Quebecers aren't spending more than 25 per cent of their income on rent.

Late Wednesday, the province announced the program would be extended for one more year.

"It was good news but we have to do more than that. More and better than that," says François Saillant with the housing group FRAPRU.

Saillant says the housing crisis that led to the creation of the supplement has not been solved.

He says it's still hard for low-income families to find affordable apartments.

"We expect that there will be more good news in the next budget of [Finance Minister Yves] Séguin because it's not only a necessity, but it's an emergency to work on long-term solution."

Saillant says the government has to help pay for the construction of low-income apartments, and create a more stable funding program for families struggling to pay rent.