The NDP says no one should be sleeping outside with freezing temperatures and significant snowfall.

The opposition party says it was reported last week a resident died in a tent encampment in Dartmouth and now that we have had our first winter storm, leader Claudia Chender says emergency shelters do not meet the need.

“My condolences to the family and everyone who is processing this tragic death,” said NDP Leader Claudia Chender. “We need housing, now. Lease out the hotels, use the churches and community halls, buy shelters, and massively incentivize non-market providers to build quickly. No one should be sleeping outside.”

As of November 28, the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia reported there are 1066 people actively homeless just in HRM.

The NDP have tabled legislation calling for a ban on all winter evictions, similar to the rules that prevent Nova Scotia Power from cutting off power during the winter months.