Question Period (1 December 2025)

From Hansard (1 December 2025)

To view this section on video, click here and start play at 2:17:30 PM.

Support for Municipalities

Erika Ritchie: — Well despite what the minister is saying, Mr. Speaker, the city of Saskatoon blames substantial provincial downloading for forcing them into a corner to raise taxes or cut services. The Sask Party has cut funding for housing, cut funding to end homelessness. And look at the results: more than 2,000 people are homeless now in the city, and that number has quadrupled since this Premier took office.

Will the Premier explain to this House why he sat on his hands while desperate people were forced out onto the streets in Saskatoon, and why he’s forcing Saskatoon taxpayers to foot the bill?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a government that is working really hard to ensure that we’re securing not only the future of this province but securing the safety of our communities and the safety of each individual across this province. This is a government that has invested $98 million into different communities around Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker.

Just 10 days ago, we launched a renewal and expansion of the provincial approach to homelessness, Mr. Speaker, that program, a $20 million program including $12 million which will enhance services being provided in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker. I could go on with other enhancements if the member has other questions. Thank you.

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The following section begins at 2:22:50 PM in the video link provided above.

Addressing Homelessness

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Saskatoon Fairview people are very concerned about homelessness and they’re concerned about the Fairhaven shelter. My constituents see people sleeping rough and using drugs. It shouldn’t be this way in a province that is as rich as Saskatchewan. Homelessness has quadrupled in Saskatoon under this Premier, with almost 2,000 people on the streets today.

I wrote my fourth letter to the minister about challenges in my riding, requesting that he cap the number of beds in Fairhaven, restore direct payment to landlords to those on SIS [Saskatchewan income support], and renovate vacant Sask Housing units. But his response included nothing new to fix homelessness and the impacts it’s having on our communities.

What does the Minister of Social Services have to say to my constituents who are being failed after 18 years of Sask Party mismanagement?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I answered previously about the renewal of the provincial approach to homelessness, that’s a $20 million plan over the next three years. That includes $12 million in three-year predictable funding for the organizations that we work with, including Saskatoon Tribal Council. The work that they do in Saskatoon is invaluable, and I’ve seen it in person. I’ve been out with them and watched them as they tackle this incredibly serious challenge, Mr. Speaker.

When it comes to homelessness, Mr. Speaker, this is a government that I’ve said again, we believe in trying to keep our communities safe, keep our individuals safe. And that’s work that will continue right into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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