Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Canada Tightens Legislation Against Discrimination in Housing

December 28, 1960
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Persons or corporations discriminating against lessees or purchasers of homes financed by the Canadian Government under the National Housing Act will be severely penalized if the discriminations are based on race, religion, color or origin, according to new amendments to the Housing Act, it was pointed out here today by the Canadian Jewish Congress.

The CJG today circulated a copy of the new amendments to the Housing Act. Until now, it was pointed out, the Housing Act, in existence since 1954, merely forbade discrimination without imposing any specific penalties. Under the amendments, the law now provides that a borrower who violates the anti-bias legislation is barred from receiving another loan for three years.

The Toronto Telegram hailed the amendments in an editorial commending the Government. The editorial stated: “Under the new rules, persons found by an independent arbitrator to have practiced discrimination will be barred for three years from receiving NHA loans. It has been often said that hatred and mistrust cannot be legislated away. But it is possible for laws to restrict the ill effects of hatred and mistrust and to show discrimination as the despicable thing that it is.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement