Influencers, promises, and populism: Prime minister woos renters in East Vancouver

The prime minister chose an East Vancouver community centre to woo Millennials and renters with an announcement Wednesday that was big on populist rhetoric but apparently light on impact.

The prime minister chose an East Vancouver community centre to woo Millennials and renters with an announcement Wednesday that was big on populist rhetoric but apparently light on impact.

Justin Trudeau, his finance minister, and other Liberal members of parliament from the Vancouver area were on hand at the Sunset Community Centre to outline plans that include a federal Renters’ Bill of Rights, which would require landlords to disclose their properties' rental price history to prospective tenants.

Officials also promised millions of dollars for legal aid in a Tenant Protection Fund, and said they would urge banks and landlords to count on-tie rent payments towards credit scores.

“It's about changing the rules of the game that meets people where they are and responds to their hopes and dreams for the future,” Trudeau said, referencing Gen Z and Millennial Canadians who’ve found themselves priced out of a skyrocketing housing market.

He made the remarks at a podium with the theme printed in bold letters: "Fairness for every generation."

And while social media comments in the wake of the announcement included positive reaction to the moves, experts were quick to point out the measures won’t have much impact aside from signalling to younger adults that the federal government recognizes they’re struggling and frustrated.

“There is nothing in here that's going to tackle the widening gap across generations in the country, that's going to help restore class mobility. There’s nothing that's really going to make housing more affordable,” said Rob Gillezeau, an associate professor of economic policy at the University of Toronto. “It’s political virtue signalling.”