NDP calls for $3 million aid package to protect the most vulnerable

Frontline organizations have repeatedly raised the alarm over a critical lack of provincial funding. In response, NDP Leader Ryan Meili is calling on the province to provide $3 million in emergency funding: $1.5 million for organizations running frontline emergency shelters, and $1.5 million in emergency funding for Saskatchewan food banks.

“If they won’t step up because it’s the right thing, they should at least do it because it’s the smart thing,” said Meili. “The best way to stop this virus from spreading is to stop the most vulnerable from getting it. That means ensuring everyone has enough food and somewhere safe to self-isolate.

“Food bank usage is skyrocketing, and frontline organizations are facing increased costs. Other provinces have stepped up with millions of dollars in emergency funding commitments. Why hasn’t Saskatchewan?”

Other provinces are contributing far more than Saskatchewan’s $171,000. Ontario has committed $148 million for service organizations. British Columbia has committed $3 million for food banks, has raised income and disability rates by $300 per month, and won’t claw back income support benefits from those receiving CERB. Alberta has opened 14 new shelter facilities. And Nova Scotia has leveraged $3 million for frontline organizations.

“Our food banks and shelters are at the breaking point trying to keep people safe and fed,” said NDP Social Services Critic Nicole Rancourt. “Doing the right thing makes everyone safer. When will the province recognize that and commit the needed funds?”

Latest posts

SASK. PARTY FAILS TO PRODUCE ANY TIMELINES OR COSTS FOR YORKTON HOSPITAL PROMISED 14 YEARS AGO

Minister of Rural and Remote Health Cites Placeholder Funding In Out-Year Budgets, But Records Show No Such Amounts Exist
YORKTON – Scott Moe and the Sask. Party either don’t have a clue on the costs or completion timeline for the desperately needed new Yorkton Hospital — a project the government promised to deliver 14 years ago — or they’re willfully hiding those details from the public.

SCOTT MOE HOSTS WORST HOMICIDE WAVE IN ALL OF CANADA – THREE TIMES THE CANADIAN AVERAGE

Saskatchewan Homicide Rate Nearly 74% Higher Since Sask. Party Formed Government

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is calling out Scott Moe for prioritizing press conferences and ribbon cuttings while Saskatchewan people keep their doors locked after the homicide rate in the province has surged to nearly three times the national average and the highest in the country.

SCOTT MOE HOSTS WORST HOMOCIDE WAVE IN ALL OF CANADA – THREE TIMES THE CANADIAN AVERAGE

Saskatchewan Homicide Rate Nearly 74% Higher Since Sask. Party Formed Government

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is calling out Scott Moe for prioritizing press conferences and ribbon cuttings, while Saskatchewan people keep their doors locked after homicides in the province have surged to three times the national average, and the highest in the country.

SASKATCHEWAN LOST 2,900 FULL TIME JOBS IN JULY, YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CLIMBS TO 12.4%

Yorkton, Swift Current, Moose Jaw And Prince Albert All Saw Job Losses
REGINA – Saskatchewan saw significant job losses in the month of July according to data released by Stats Canada today, impacting communities across the province, while youth unemployment climbed to over 12 per cent.

NDP Caucus Office