Sask. family's eviction from home cancelled after accounting error discovered with rent
A Regina family facing homelessness will not be evicted from their government-owned rental unit after it was discovered they owed more than $1,000 in back rent.
It turned out to be an accounting error that left Frank Francouer and his family looking for answers.
Coming to the legislative building twice to plead his case paid off for Francouer.
“I met with the minister and like they said, they were going to look into it and basically they reassured me and this is what I needed,” Francouer said.
The single father of two on social assistance ran into problems after his rent was miscalculated under the new Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program. He had been undercharged about $80 a month for nearly a year before a $1,000 back payment was demanded. He couldn’t pay and went to the legislative building for help.
“Frank then had to come to the legislature on two occasions. We raised it in Question Period twice and I understand his issue has been resolved now. His eviction has been reversed, his benefits have been reinstated and he is able to stay in his home with his two boys,” NDP MLA Meara Conway said.
A deal has been struck that will see Francouer pay the back rent owing in installments. The government said, “If a client has questions or concerns, we urge them to reach out to the Ministry of Social Services so the problem can be addressed promptly. We are here to help.”
“They agreed you know to stay the eviction and just enter into the payment arrangement. All this was caused by the SIS program,” Francouer said.
The NDP believes many others could be facing a similar situation. The Minister of Social Services has invited anyone facing homelessness to contact her office for help. In the Francouers’ case, it took persistence but it worked out in the end.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.