Question Period (9 March 2026)

From Hansard (9 March 2026)

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Community Safety and Library Worker Concerns

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday I asked the Minister of Social Services if he would be willing to work a shift at the Frances Morrison Library to understand the concerns that workers are facing in our public libraries. The Minister of Rural and Remote Health answered for him and said that he would be prepared to work this shift. She told this House, “I know that my colleague would be more than happy to do that, and he has confirmed with me that he would.”

So knowing that library workers are eager to welcome the minister, when will he be working this shift?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Mr. Speaker, all of this stems from some of the issues that we’re having in downtown Saskatoon when it comes to individuals who may find themselves in a very difficult state, Mr. Speaker. This is why we funded our provincial approach to homelessness — $40.2 million in 2023 in foundational funding. Mr. Speaker, in November we increased that by another $20 million.

This is a very, very serious issue, one that we are working with our community municipal partners. We’re also working with our Indigenous partners, Mr. Speaker. And it’s a meeting that I’m going to be having with the library, and it’s coming very soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, simple question; looking for a simple answer. When will he be working the shift at the library?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And you know, to respond to the member, that work is under way in terms of, you know, scheduling a meeting with the management of the Saskatoon library.

What I would also like to point out, Mr. Speaker, is the good work being done by our outreach teams. We have sawêyihtotân in Saskatoon. These are individuals that are downtown in different areas of the city, making contact with individuals that have no place to go, trying to connect them with services, Mr. Speaker. This is a program that’s operated by Saskatoon Tribal Council. I had a great conversation this morning with Tribal Chief Arcand, and we’re really looking forward to keeping that work going and providing those supports and those services to the individuals who really, really badly need it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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