Saskatchewan’s opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) is calling on the government to take immediate action to address a worsening homelessness crisis, especially in the province’s largest city. NDP deputy leader Vicki Mowat highlighted data from the Saskatoon fire department indicating a significant increase in the number of homeless encampments.
According to the fire department, there were 1,248 encampments recorded in the first eight months of this year, nearly matching the total of 1,255 counted last year. This surge suggests that Saskatoon may see three times as many encampments this year compared to the 512 tallied in 2022.
Mowat emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing concern about the harsh winter conditions in Saskatchewan and the lack of safe housing for individuals living in encampments. She proposed three solutions for the government to tackle the housing shortage in the province.
These include implementing rent control laws similar to those in other provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba, reinstating the practice of allowing Saskatchewan Income Support payments to go directly to landlords, and refurbishing unoccupied government housing units for shelter use.
Mowat also highlighted the escalating homelessness problem in Saskatoon, where the homeless count has tripled compared to previous years, surpassing even the increase seen in other cities like Regina. She urged the government to take responsibility and lead efforts to address homelessness, rather than shifting the burden to municipalities.
Saskatoon Community Foundation CEO Rachael Steinke anticipates a higher homeless count this year based on ongoing discussions within the community. The city council is set to vote on establishing a centralized hub for homeless services, signaling a step towards addressing the crisis.
Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Terry Jenson acknowledged the shared responsibility of all levels of government in addressing encampments and emphasized the need for social support services for affected individuals. Jenson also noted the province’s commitment to expanding addiction treatment resources in response to the prevalence of addiction issues among those experiencing housing insecurity.