Join us for a talk and Q&A with political economist Ricardo Tranjan, author of the new book The Tenant Class. Using examples, stories, and data from across Canada, Tranjan argues against the ‘housing crisis’ narrative to expose the exploitive nature of the housing market. Tranjan unpacks the myths about renters and types of landlords before diving into a brief history of tenant organizing and argues for the importance of continuing this type of work to build tenant power and systemic change. Tranjan will give a talk about the book which will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC), and finish with a book signing. This event is being hosted in partnership between TRAC, the UBC Centre for Climate Justice (CCJ), Vancity Community Foundation, and SFU Community-Engaged Research Initiative (CERi).
Ricardo Tranjan is a senior researcher and political economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). His current research focuses on social policy in Canada, particularly the political economy of housing and socio-economic inequality. Tranjan formerly led the City of Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy Office, taught at universities in Quebec and Ontario, and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo.
TRAC is a non-profit organization of lawyers and legal advocates who offer free legal representation, education, and advocacy for tenants in British Columbia. The team works to advance protection for tenants in the province, represents tenants at the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) and BC Supreme Court, and provides educational resources through their workshops and online content.
Born in the aftermath of the 2021 heat dome in British Columbia, the UBC CCJ housing justice team is researching how tenants in British Columbia navigate extreme weather events. Working the various community partners and organizations, the team centers tenants' stories and experience to inform political advocacy.
Vancity Community Foundation was founded in 1989 on the belief that if we work together, we will have the resources we need to build a thriving, vibrant community.
To get there, we use and leverage financial tools, provide innovative support to non-profit organizations, and advocate for policies that help make life more affordable, including investing in community-owned affordable housing development. Along the way, we are rooted in commitments to Truth and Reconciliation, anti-racism, equity, and being in Right Relations with the land.
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