Province responds to homelessness letter

The province has responded to an open letter about homelessness from a Saskatoon city councillor.

In his letter, David Kirton accused the province of “manufacturing homelessness” and advocated for more action to support people who are homeless in Saskatchewan, including changes to social assistance programs.

Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan’s social services minister. (650 CKOM file photo)

Gene Makowsky, minister of social services for Saskatchewan, said homelessness is a complex issue being dealt with by all provinces.

Makowsky said he has met with Kirton, but told media on Tuesday that he wanted to explain a few steps the province is taking that the city councillor might not have been aware of when he penned the letter.

The minister said a change was made to restart direct payments to landlords on behalf of clients using the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program in November of 2021. Makowsky said it’s an option available for clients who are at risk of homelessness.

He added that more money for trusteeship has also been included in several budgets to help those in need of assistance managing their funds.

“Certainly we’re working very hard on homelessness,” Makowsky told reporters.

“(It’s) a very complex issue.”

Makowsky said Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s minister of mental health and addictions, is also at work on treatment options aimed at addressing problems people who are homeless in the province often face.

He said the province has generally funded emergency and overnight shelters — about 500 in total over the winter — along with its partners.

Makowsky said the province is always in contact with its partners and meeting with municipal leaders, and is always willing to meet and collaborate with local groups working to tackle the issues.

The minister also pointed to a recent announcement about a new transitional housing option for women leaving incarceration at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Saskatoon’s Pleasant Hill neighbourhood.

Makowksy said the province is looking to support people and help them move from homelessness to supported living according to their individual needs.

He also highlighted the need for partnerships with municipal governments, particularly when it comes to issues like zoning or fire codes. He said there is regular communication with fire chiefs and police around Saskatchewan.

With the SIS program specifically, Makowsky noted complaints about an earlier version of the program which was in place prior to his time as minister. Having individuals responsible for paying their own bills is not new, he noted, and the vast majority of people receiving income assistance are able to appropriately manage their own finances and bills.

Advocates have said taking that away from people would not be a positive step, Makowsky shared, adding that he’s been told some people receiving assistance are “the best budgeters around.”

Those requiring extra assistance can also pursue trusteeship, he said.

The minister pointed to basic benefits, shelter benefits and affordability tax credits as efforts taken to address homelessness. He said those add up to a 15 per cent increase for the SIS program.

He said that’s higher than than the rate of inflation.

“One program in Saskatchewan, I wouldn’t say is the whole story,” Makowsky said.

The minister explained he’s not discounting concerns raised about homelessness, and is simply pointing out efforts already being made.

“The program has to be affordable and sustainable,” Makowsky said.

“We’ll keep listening.”

— With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick