REGINA - After coming to the Legislature last week to plead for help after being evicted and advocate for all those struggling on the Sask. Party’s failed SIS program, Frank Francoeur received a letter from the Ministry of Social Services letting him know his benefits would be suspended.
“Frank came down to his Legislature and left hopeful that the Sask. Party government had actually listened to him. Instead, the Sask. Party showed their complete lack of empathy and are suspending him off his benefits,” said Conway. “Due to the changes to the SIS program, he’s been evicted from his home and wanted to share with the Minister what that has meant for him and his family. Now he stands to lose his income as well.”
Minister Carr assured that anyone on SIS could contact her office with concerns, however correspondence from Conway on behalf of Mr. Francoeur went unaddressed. Instead, he found himself evicted. In response, Mr. Francoeur came to the Legislature to advocate for all SIS clients.
Days after meeting with the Minister where his only ask was to remain in his home and be put on a payment plan, he received correspondence suspending his benefits. The Ministry of Social Services is requiring him to find a permanent residence by June or, “the ministry will conclude that you no longer require benefits and your SIS file will be closed.”
“To have someone in need come to meet with the government to share their struggles, only to have the very reason for that meeting used to remove that client off of SIS tells you all you need to know about the Sask. Party,” said Conway. “The Minister has stated that her goal is to remove 25% of SIS clients from the program. Clearly, as is the case with Mr. Francoeur, the goal of this government is to find any excuse, any technicality, to remove those most in need during the greatest affordability crisis in 31 years. They just don’t care.”
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Poor working conditions, favouritism, $300K travel nurse pay at issue
REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition released a letter signed by 49 emergency room nurses in Saskatoon. The letter slams the Sask. Party government for failing to support Saskatchewan nurses and curb the province’s reliance on expensive out-of-province travel nurses.
REGINA - Today, Official Opposition Critic for First Nations and Métis Relations Betty Nippi-Albright hosted a Day of Action with Indigenous leaders from Nekaneet First Nation, Yellow Quill First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Carry The Kettle First Nation, Key First Nation and the residential school support team from Yorkton Tribal Council. Together, they continue to draw attention to the Sask. Party government’s disregard for the Duty to Consult process.
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