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Douglas Todd: Canada’s rent control debate thunders on

Even though some form of rent control has been in place in B.C. for 50 years, the issue is not over — especially elsewhere. Two opponents make their arguments. Is compromise possible?

The debate over rent controls elicits strong arguments from both sides, suggesting a need for creative compromise.

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Even though some form of rent control has been in place in B.C. for about 50 years, that doesn’t mean debate over the policy is over.

While Ontario has rent controls and Quebec has modest limits, Alberta and New Brunswick do not have rent controls. So-called “rent stabilization” laws exist in only about half of OECD countries, a club of 38 well-off nations.

Given it is an ongoing debate, Postmedia asked two B.C. housing analysts for their opposing arguments. Wendy Waters is an independent real-estate specialist who spent........

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