Premier Brian Pallister is announcing a suspension of rent increases and is postponing non-urgent eviction hearings.

New measures are being implemented to help Manitobans feel confident as many are losing their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All rent increases set to take in effect as of April 1 will be suspended by order of the province until further notice.

"I have great respect for landlords in our province," Pallister says. "I do not want to do anything to harm them but we have to bear in mind that we have a lot of tenants right now that are afraid."

The province is not freezing rent payments as of today, but are reminding residents that there are several rent assistance programs throughout the province. 

"We will step up as a government, as we have, to support the most vulnerable who need our assistance."

Manitoba has a rent assistance program that people can currently apply for.

Along with the suspension of rent increases, all hearings for "non-urgent matters" regarding evictions are postponed until May 31. Eviction hearings for other matters, such as criminal activity, are not currently suspended. 

"We are all in this together," Pallister says. "There is no doubt that this is a complex situation with moving parts."

The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) and Residential Tenancies Commission (RTC) offices are open, but by appointment only. Those wishing to contact RTB can do so by 204-945-2476 or toll-free at 1-800-782-8403 and by email at rtb@gov.mb.ca.