SASK. PARTY POURS MILLION DOLLARS INTO HOTELS TO COVER FOR FAILURES ON HOUSING

Thousands Of Vacant Affordable Housing Units Sit Vacant While Government Wastes Money

SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan NDP is calling out the Sask. Party for having no real plan to solve Saskatchewan’s homelessness crisis and instead funneling over a million dollars into homeless hotels.

According to a tender obtained by the Official Opposition, the Sask. Party government has awarded Country Inn and Suites Saskatoon with $613,570 and Travelodge Suites Regina Eastgate $960,662.40 as an annual estimate to house Social Services clients.

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Social Services Minister Terry Jenson yesterday told reporters that the government has even more hotels in use, including – against the advice of one of his top officials – a Regina motel known for drugs and bugs.

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“The fact that this government has resorted to putting homeless people in hotels and motels tells you everything you need to know about the Sask. Party,” said April ChiefCalf.

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“They have more than 2,000 vacant affordable housing units across the province and, instead of making them suitable for people, this government instead is funneling over a million dollars — likely millions of dollars — to hotels.

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“Not only is this a horrible use of taxpayer dollars – it won't give people the supports they need to get back on their feet.”

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According to point-in-time counts, the number of homeless people in Saskatoon has nearly tripled in recent years, going from 550 people in 2022 to 1,499 in 2024.

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In Regina, the number has nearly doubled since 2021, going from 488 to 824 in 2024.

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“After 18 years in office, the Sask. Party is out of touch, out of ideas, and throwing money at issues,” said ChiefCalf. “It’s disgusting what the Sask. Party is doing to our most vulnerable.

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“It’s time to make more affordable housing available and it’s time to get rent under control in Saskatchewan.”

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