HOMELESSNESS DOUBLES IN REGINA, TRIPLES IN SASKATOON
REGINA – A new Angus Reid poll reveals Saskatchewan residents are struggling more than any other province with the cost–of–living crisis. Nearly half (45%) say they are worse off financially than last year, and 50% report difficulty feeding their families — the highest such rates of financial insecurity in Canada.
“The cost of living is the number one issue we hear from families,” said Brent Blakley, Shadow Social Services Minister. “Hardworking people need immediate relief — they can’t wait until 2026 for a tax credit they may or may not qualify for.”
The Sask. Party recently blocked emergency motions to remove provincial taxes from essentials like groceries and children’s clothing, measures aimed at providing immediate savings for hardworking Saskatchewan people.
With no immediate action from the government, community groups are having to step in to fill the gap. Today, the Saskatchewan NDP stood with the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen and the Muslim Food Bank, who confirmed an alarming increase in people relying on their free meal services due to the rising cost of living.
Saskatchewan’s rising cost of living is also contributing to increased homelessness.
Saskatoon’s unhoused population has tripled since 2022 to nearly 1,500, while Regina’s has nearly doubled since 2021, according to new point-in-time figures released this month.
“Rents are rising faster than wages, and there’s also no reason for a Sask. Party government to sit on 3,000 empty provincial housing units, foregoing rent and utilities,” said April ChiefCalf, Shadow Housing Minister. “We need action to get these units back online to increase the affordable housing stock in the province.”
-30-
NDP Leader Promises Better Wages, Lower Cost Of Living, More Investment In Healthcare & Education
SASKATOON – Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck addressed workers Saturday, telling them they deserved better than they’ve been getting over 18 years of the Sask. Party.
Economic Competitiveness Takes Hit From Sask. Party’s $136M Rate Hike: Chamber
REGINA – Saskatchewan businesses continue to line up against Scott Moe’s $136-million power bill hikes.
Tragedy Inevitable On Busy Highway Without Adequate Doctors & Emergency Resources
SASKATOON – Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck joined Davidson’s volunteer fire chief Friday to demand better emergency care in the province, especially along busy Highway 11, which connects the province’s two largest cities.
Nearly Two-Thirds Have No Or Little Access To Primary Care, Have No Confidence In Emergency Care
SASKATOON – Shocking new data released Thursday morning found nearly two-thirds of Saskatchewan people have no or limited access to a doctor — the worst rate in Canada — and the same number are not confident they would receive timely care in the event of an emergency.