In an Order in Council passed Jan. 23, significant changes were made to the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program. Since that date, the Official Opposition has heard from stakeholders and impacted residents concerned about the intent behind the changes.
Among the changes made are:
- Adding language that SAID is a program of “last resort,” betraying the original purpose of the program.
- Letting the Minister add debt to those who are unable to pay their utility or shelter costs,
- Reducing benefits if the recipient is receiving benefits from another program that the Minister believes meets the objectives of SAID.
- Repealing the maternity and infant clothing and child access supports.
- Putting an end to funding for respite care.
“Let’s be clear about what’s going on here — this is Scott Moe choosing, at a time when everyday costs are out of control, to punch down on Saskatchewan people with disabilities and their families,” said Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader. “Without warning or consultation, he’s changing the intent of a program the Sask. Party itself introduced.
“This is cruel, it’s shortsighted and I’m sure the primary reason is to cover for the fiscal trainwreck he’s steered us into.”
The changes to cut off access to SAID came just days before Moe proceeded with a $136-million annual increase to power rates for families, farms and small businesses. Moe lied in the legislature in December, stating he wasn’t going to jack up power rates.
Rent has increased for 42-straight months in Saskatchewan and, despite this, the Sask. Party continues to pile tens of million in taxes on groceries and clothes. People in this province report the greatest financial anxiety in Canada — four-in-10 report borrowing money or taking on debt just to buy food.
“Telling people with disabilities that the supports they have relied on for years are a ‘last resort’, is insulting and meant to vilify the very people who need the most help during this cost-of-living crisis,” said Brittney Senger, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Disabilities and Community-Based Organizations.
“This is Saskatchewan — we help our neighbours, we take care of each other. The Sask. Party’s decision flies in the face of all of that. I am calling on them to reverse this callous decision right here and right now.”
The changes to SAID take effect April 1. Saskatchewan NDP Social Services Shadow Minister Erika Ritchie said if they proceed as planned it will force more people out of their homes.
“There is record homelessness in Saskatoon, in Regina and right across this province — and we see a Premier in Scott Moe hellbent on making things that much worse,” Ritchie said. “Just last week, we learned the Premier signed his former political campaign director to a government salary of nearly $200,000 annually at the very same time he’s making moves to cut off critical disability supports.
“This is disgusting and shows exactly what Scott Moe values at such a critical moment for our province. It really is time for change.”
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