A small collection of tents has been set up outside Prince Albert's Indian Metis Friendship Centre. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Social issues

Sask. mayors say changes to social assistance program, contributing to increase in homelessness

Nov 5, 2021 | 5:00 PM

More than 4,000 people on social assistance, did not pay their rent in September or October, according to a recent report from the Saskatchewan Landlords’ Association.

The report was highlighted in a press release Friday from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA). SUMA’s City Mayors’ Caucus is the latest organization to express concerns with change made to the province’s income support program.

“We are only two months into the new support program, and we are already seeing people struggle to pay their rent,” Mayor Gerald Aalbers, Chair of SUMA’s City Mayors’ Caucus (CMC), said. “This program is designed to help our most vulnerable, but instead, we are seeing an increase in homelessness in our communities.”

The Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program replaced the Saskatchewan Assistance Program and the Transitional Employment Allowance Program on Aug. 31. Essentially money that was being paid directly to landlords is now being sent to clients instead, who may be struggling with addiction issues. SUMA’s City Mayors’ Caucus met online Nov. 4 to discuss the impact the new program is already having on their cities.

“Safety is a priority in our communities and homelessness creates significant public safety concerns for both those experiencing it and the community as a whole,” Aalbers said. “As municipal leaders, we appreciate the need to make programs more efficient. However, efficiency should not take precedence over the purpose of the program – helping those who need it.”

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SUMA’s Executive Committee expressed similar concerns during a meeting with the Honourable Lori Carr, Minister of Social Services, on Nov 2. Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said he hopes the showing of solidarity by the mayors will force the government to re-think its position.

“If all 16 of us get on board and are saying the same thing, the government has to pay attention,” he said.

Reflecting on Prince Albert’s current situation, Dionne acknowledged he is very worried, adding not only are landlords not getting paid rent, but they are evicting people and not putting their places back up for rent, unless social services puts their name on the cheque.

“Now we are gonna end up with a shortage of housing for low income people,” he said.

Dionne explained he does not blame the people on social assistance, who may be struggling, but rather the government who had what he calls a very good program in place. Added to Dionne’s concerns, is the fact that winter and colder nights are just around the corner.

“Now we are panicking thinking we have to open up warm up shelters, we may to make sure they are picked up at night so they don’t freeze to death, well where is our government. They are the ones who created the problem, they should be helping us solve it,” Dionne said.

(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

One of the challenges expressed in Prince Albert is the fact those living on the street choose to live there. Local business leaders met last week with local MLA Alana Ross to discuss their owns concerns related to needle use, employee safety, and a lack of public bathrooms. Ross agreed to take the information gathered to the Ministers of Health, Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health, and Social Services.

A spokesperson for Prince Albert Grand Council told paNOW leaders are meeting early next week to discuss an updated course of action.

In the meantime both SUMA and SUMA’s City Mayors’ Caucus have committed to continue working with Minister Carr and her Ministry to identify potential program solutions and address homelessness in Saskatchewan hometowns. In an emailed statement from Minister Carr, she expressed all levels of government have a role to play in addressing homelessness, and the province takes its role very seriously.

“I would like to recognize all community leaders and partners for their support to better serve those in our community who are struggling. I would also like to thank SUMA for inviting me to have a good and productive conversation with their members earlier this week,” she said.

Carr went to explain that the Government of Saskatchewan continues to listen and collaborate with its partners in the community on ways we can better support clients with more complex needs who may be at risk of being homeless, and who require more support to see success.

“We will continue to work with community based organizations and municipalities to address these issues in their communities,” she said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell