NEW DATA SHOWS THOUSANDS OF VACANT UNITS AS SASK. PARTY FAILS TO ADDRESS HOUSING CRISIS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS PROVINCE

Sask. Party Failure To Upkeep and Make Use of Public Housing Contributes To Chronic Houselessness Problems, Drug Crisis.

SASKATOON — New data released today by the Saskatchewan NDP shows clearly that the Sask. Party has failed to address the housing crisis in the province, allowing thousands of affordable units to sit vacant while people on the streets.

The information, obtained through a Freedom of Information request made to the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, shows that about 2,150 units are vacant provincewide. In Saskatoon, where homelessness numbers have shot up more than 300 per cent, there are nearly 200 units vacant.

In Regina, where homelessness is also on the rise, more than 400 units sit vacant. There are also communities where more than half of the publicly owned housing units are vacant. A full breakdown of the data is attached to this news release.

“This is completely ridiculous and a shameful failure,” said April ChiefCalf, Saskatchewan NDP Housing Shadow Minister. “We know those units are vacant for two reasons, a failure to maintain them and make them suitable for people to live in, or a complete lack of caring by the Sask. Party to address the houselessness crisis. Maybe it’s both.

“We know that people have been hurt so badly by horrific changes made by the Sask. Party to income supports and a failure to maintain publicly available housing,” said Brent Blakley, Saskatchewan NDP Social Services Shadow Minister.

“We need a government that’s focused on the future and a big part of that is helping people put a roof over their head, food on their kitchen table and ensuring they have access to supports to live their lives in dignity.”

The information released Wednesday comes alongside a newly released National Rent Report, where Saskatoon saw a 7.9 per cent increase year over year in rent.

“In the spring Legislative session, I asked the Minister about the rising rent in our province. He stood in that house and told me that rent was not an issue or contributing factor to homelessness in Saskatchewan — rent is not the issue, were his own words,” ChiefCalf said. “When I read this new data, I have to wonder, is the Minister even paying attention?”

Saskatchewan is the only province to see an increase in rent prices this month. The average price of rent has decreased by 2.9% in Canada.

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