Saskatoon, SK – The leading provincial parties in Saskatchewan have recently shared their plans to address the ongoing homelessness crisis in the province.
The Saskatchewan Party, led by Premier Scott Moe, has promised to invest $5 million in a new program called “Housing First” which aims to provide immediate housing for those experiencing homelessness. The program will also offer support services such as mental health and addiction treatment to help individuals get back on their feet.
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Ryan Meili, has pledged to invest $10 million in affordable housing units and $5 million in mental health and addiction services. The party also plans to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour, which they believe will help reduce poverty and homelessness.
Both parties have acknowledged the severity of the homelessness crisis in Saskatchewan and have promised to work towards finding long-term solutions. According to a recent report by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, Saskatchewan has the highest rate of homelessness in the country, with over 2,000 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night.
In response to the parties’ plans, advocates for the homeless community have expressed cautious optimism. While they appreciate the attention being given to the issue, they also stress the need for immediate action and tangible results.
“We need to see these promises turn into real, concrete actions,” said Michael Parker, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership. “The homeless community cannot afford to wait any longer for solutions.”
The provincial election is set to take place on October 26th, and the issue of homelessness is expected to be a key topic for voters. It remains to be seen which party’s plan will ultimately be implemented and how effective it will be in addressing the crisis.
In the meantime, organizations and individuals continue to work tirelessly to provide support and resources to those experiencing homelessness in Saskatchewan. As the province grapples with this ongoing crisis, it is clear that a collaborative effort from all levels of government and the community will be necessary to find a lasting solution.
