Sask. mayors call for better use of government housing to deal with homelessness
Emergency shelters across Saskatchewan are full and some people are living in tents as temperatures drop and snowfall increases.
“Our shelter has been full every day and unfortunately at the end of the day there are folks that we have to refer to other agencies,” Major Al Hoeft of the Salvation Army told CTV News.
Saskatchewan’s city mayors say $600 a month in social assistance isn’t enough for single people to survive on in their communities.
Many, like Mayor Gerald Aalbers, believe it’s a contributing factor to homelessness.
“The cities are involved because people end up at our door. Our police departments, our fire departments are getting called to clean up, to assist, to house and that’s not their job,” he said.
Saskatchewan’s mayors think the provincial government’s 3,000 vacant housing units could be part of the solution.
Current rules primarily allow seniors or families as tenants, shutting out many single people who have nowhere to go.
“We end up having to hold vacant properties that we can’t fill,” Mayor Sandra Masters said.
“I believe that’s being worked on right now because the city mayor’s caucus of SUMA has brought that to the attention of the government.”
The Government of Saskatchewan says it’s one of the top provinces in Canada for meeting people’s basic needs.
However, the government did say it is looking for better ways to match public housing with those who need somewhere to live.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
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.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
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.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
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.