'People try to ignore it': Regina family blames homelessness for death of relative
A Regina family is blaming homelessness for the death of a loved one. The body of 41-year-old Del Bitternose was found in North Central two days after Christmas.
Bitternose’s relatives claim he was evicted from his apartment and died while seeking refuge in a camper.
Ivy Kennedy is mourning the death of her nephew. To her, he was like a son.
“He died, he froze to death,” she said, referring to Bitternose. “So homelessness is an issue in Regina and I don’t know why people try to ignore it.”
Bitternose’s body was found in a camper unit on the 700 Block of Garnet Street on Dec. 27.
He had taken shelter there after being evicted from an apartment for non-payment of rent.
“In the winter months there should be no need to live on the streets in Regina,” Kennedy said.
The family claimed Bitternose had received payment from Social Services to cover rent but he failed to forward the money to his landlord. It’s the result of changes to the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program.
“They give the money to the client now. They don’t give the cheques out to the landlord anymore,” Kennedy explained.
“I think that’s still an issue because my nephew would be still alive today.”
The Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry is not aware of the circumstances surrounding Bitternose's death but the organization has repeatedly raised concerns about changes to the SIS program.
“Many of the people that we work with are among the best budgeters that I know of. They’re better budgeters than I am. So I don’t want to take that away from everybody,” Peter Gilmer, a spokesperson for the ministry told CTV News.
“But there certainly are circumstances where it makes sense to have that direct payment.”
Social Services will make rent payments directly to landlords if a problem is identified. In the case of Del Bitternose, it came too late.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.