NEW POLLING: SASKATCHEWAN FAMILIES STRUGGLING THE MOST WITH COST OF LIVING AS HOMELESSNESS SKYROCKETS

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.”

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NDP Caucus Office