Sask. family revisits legislature following eviction
Things have gone from bad to worse for a Regina family that came to the legislative building for housing help. They were being evicted from low cost housing over a rent misunderstanding. Now, social services warns that they could be cut off welfare.
Frank Francouer was back at the legislative building on Thursday, this time with a letter from Social Services warning him that he may be cut off from income assistance.
“On the letter it says I have until June 15 to provide a new address, otherwise my July benefits will be suspended,” he said.
Earlier this month, the disabled single father of two came to the legislative building after receiving an eviction notice from Regina Housing. He had not been charged enough rent and now owes just over $1,000, which he doesn’t have. Families left without an address don’t qualify for a social assistance cheque.
“I didn’t get the assurance from the minister’s office after I sat down with them. I explained to them everything. They had no concern walking out of the meeting that there was any outstanding information that they needed from me,” he said.
The NDP opposition is trying to help the family keep a roof over their heads.
“Instead of an effort to keep a roof over his family’s head or providing support for his rental arrears or any recognition that SIS is not enough for people to live on, this government cut him off his benefits three days ago,” said NDP MLA Meara Conway.
The Minister of Social Services, Lori Carr, believes the situation can be sorted out.
“With income assistance clients who have a change in circumstances, we request information from them, give them a certain amount of time to get that information to us so they’re just given notice that if the information doesn’t come, you could be cut off of benefits,” she said.
The Francouer family has been looking for a new place to live but said Social Services won’t cover security deposits or moving expenses. They’re packed and ready to leave on a moment’s notice but don’t know where they will be going.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
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.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
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.
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.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'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 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.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.