CORPIQ denounces the interference by the Commission des droits de la personne

CORPIQ denounces the interference of the Commission des droits de la personne in creating two classes of citizens in the area of housing. CORPIQ qualifies the partisan position as shameful and the lack of rigour of the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) in its guide on discrimination in housing, conveying an opinion that diverges from the law and contradicts jurisprudence.

The CDPDJ does not hesitate to suggest that there are two classes of citizens in Quebec, landlords and tenants, and that the rights and protection of the latter take precedence over those of landlords.

This discrimination shown by the organization is not new. In a parliamentary commission in September 2015, during the study of a bill on the repossession of dwellings, the representatives of the CDPDJ had said that "two categories of citizens are opposed here: one category of owners and one category of tenants". This had then shocked the Minister responsible for Housing.

For example, in its guide, the CDPDJ denies landlords the right to systematically carry out credit investigations to sign a lease, the consultation of the criminal record of an applicant, or to collect information on his employment and salary. However, access to this information is a condition for the evaluation of an application.

Not only are the CDPDJ's warnings to landlords not supported by law, but they also contradict jurisprudence.

Indeed, the recent decision of Gestion immobilière Gescorp inc. v. Rioux of the Court du Québec recognizes the right of landlords to request social insurance number, salary, name of employer and position held. The CDPDJ acts as if this judgment had never existed, even though it is decisive, since it reverses a decision of another organization, the Commission d'accès à l'information, and all its jurisprudential trend in the matter of renting a dwelling.

The Régie du logement has also rendered numerous decisions in which it confirms the right of landlords to obtain the personal information necessary to evaluate a prospective tenant.

CORPIQ denounces the fact that the CDPDJ is turning a blind eye on important judgments directly related to the subjects discussed in its guide.

"This is an unprecedented and dangerous situation that cannot be ignored," explains Hans Brouillette, Director of Public Affairs at CORPIQ.

"The CDPDJ repeatedly misleads landlords and tenants, which can lead to very serious situations."

It is very worrisome that in a State of law like Quebec, one of its institutions acts with a flagrant lack of impartiality and neutrality. This can only undermine the people of Quebec' confidence in the CDPDJ.

"The Commission des droits de la personne does not hesitate to say that it produced this guide after discussions with pro tenant organizations. It has never made the effort to contact CORPIQ to consider other elements," denounces Hans Brouillette.

"It allows itself to lecture and give warnings to landlords on housing matters without understanding the subject. It is out of the question that we tell landlords to follow such biased and disconnected recommendations".

The mission of the CDPDJ is to protect vulnerable people. It is one thing to claim that there are vulnerable people among the tenants; however, publishing a guide targeting landlords and having the effect of placing them in a vulnerable situation is another. It exceeds its mandate, concludes CORPIQ.

"This organization must defend all people of Quebec, regardless of their status, and not at the expense of one another. Thus, this is what is written in black and white in the information it has allowed itself to publish this week," concluded CORPIQ’ spokesperson.