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COVID-19: Ontario temporarily pauses residential evictions for length of emergency declaration

This is the second time the province has paused residential evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic
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(stock photo)

TORONTO — Ontario has temporarily paused residential evictions during its current state of emergency. 

The province's municipal affairs minister says the pause will ensure people can stay safely in their residences while a stay-at-home order remains in place.

The order, which came into effect today, requires all Ontario residents to stay home as much as possible, only leaving for essential trips.

This is the second time the province has paused residential evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Landlord and Tenant Board will continue to hear eviction applications and issue orders, but the enforcement of eviction orders will be postponed, except in urgent situations – such as for illegal activity.

The government says if tenants can pay their rent, they should continue to do so, or pay as much as possible.

The province declared the state of emergency on Tuesday and said it will stay in place for at least 28 days.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan 14, 2021.

The Canadian Press