Renters in New Brunswick will soon have access to more legal support.

The federal government has launched a new program designed to help tenants deal with housing problems earlier and with better information.

The Department of Justice Canada announced $688,363 over four years to support the Tenant Information Program.

The program is being delivered by the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick.

It is supported by the University of New Brunswick Legal Clinic and the New Brunswick Coalition for Tenants’ Rights.

Justice Canada said the program will offer free legal advice by phone, bilingual educational materials, workshops on tenant rights and pop‑up legal clinics in rural communities.

The department said the services will be available to all tenants in the province, regardless of income.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the federal government is funding the program to ensure tenants have somewhere to turn when facing challenges with a landlord or lease.

Fraser added that the support is meant to help renters defend their rights and access legal information earlier in the process.

Michelle Thompson, executive director of the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick, said the organization hears daily from residents who need help navigating rental issues.

“We know there is a need for more legal information and services for tenants,” Thompson said.

“This funding is going to make a real difference for tenants in our province.”

Justice Canada said the project is expected to support thousands of renters over the next four years.

The funding comes from the federal Tenant Protection Fund.

That fund was announced in Budget 2024 and includes $15 million over five years to expand access to legal information and advice for renters across Canada.