Question Period (3 April 2025)

From Hansard (3 April 2025)

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Addressing Homelessness

April ChiefCalf: — “I think it’s incredibly sad that our province has dropped the ball so fantastically on helping the homeless in this province and in this city.” That’s what Saskatoon councillor Robert Pearce said in a recent city council meeting. And I have to agree with him.

We are in a massive housing crisis, and the drug crisis in my city has claimed so many lives. Last year 72 people died of drug overdoses. This year there have been at least 58 deaths and it’s only April. Why does this government continue to drop the ball so fantastically?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The issue of homelessness is a very complex issue, and it’s one that we take extremely seriously, Mr. Speaker.

Our $40.2 million provincial approach to homeless plan, among other initiatives, provides new supportive housing units with on-site supports. And in this year’s budget we’re investing an additional $5 million into the rental development program for housing providers to develop even more supportive housing units.

Individuals find themselves in this unfortunate situation of being homeless for several different reasons. They’re all individuals. We know from point-in-time counts in Saskatoon, the most recent one, Mr. Speaker, 82 per cent of people that are homeless have fallen into a life of substance abuse and addiction. Further to that, another 60 per cent of individuals have reported a mental health issue.

So in addition to expanding our housing capacity across the province, with a focus on Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, we’re taking a comprehensive approach with other ministries: the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. Our government will continue to deliver the appropriate supports needed to address homelessness and give individuals the best opportunity to recover and lead healthy, independent lives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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