Question Period (14 April 2026)

From Hansard (14 April 2026)

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Provision of Seniors’ Housing

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s clear that whether you’re a newborn baby or a senior requiring housing, this government is failing you. Mr. Speaker, today we are joined by Deborah Stumph and Rickey Lamha, long-time tenants with the Regina Housing Authority.

Debra has lived in her suite for 30 years. Rickey has lived in his for 12. They both recently received notice to vacate. Deborah has been told to vacate by May 31st because she’s aged out of her apartment.

This is ridiculous, Mr. Speaker. Will the minister do the right thing and reverse this decision?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And when we’re talking about housing authorities around this province, we have 240 housing authorities that are locally appointed boards, Mr. Speaker.

One of their responsibilities as a housing authority is to ensure that the right mixture of housing exists in each community, whether that be seniors’ housing or whether that be housing for singles or families, Mr. Speaker.

This can be a very difficult situation in Regina. We have plenty of seniors’ housing available. We are running low on family housing. We have $86 million committed in this budget for renovations and repairs across the province, including Regina, so that we can increase the number of family units. And we’re simply asking families — including, well, seniors — to maybe just consider having that suite available for a family, Mr. Speaker.

But what I will do is I am offering to meet with Deb and Rickey following the proceedings today so I can learn a little more about their situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well let’s look at Rickey’s situation. Rickey received a call saying he must vacate his one-bedroom apartment when he turns 55 years old. Now he’s an amputee who lives in the heart of his community. His church is across the street. Same with the community pool where he gets his physiotherapy. His grandson can visit him every day. This has been home for him for 12 years.

Does that minister really think evicting Rickey to a different, one-bedroom apartment is a good idea?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And again I would happy to meet with Deb and Rickey, and I welcome them to their legislature today.

Again, Mr. Speaker, these are decisions that are made by locally appointed housing authorities and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation works with those authorities in terms of how they best decide on the mixture of housing available in their community, Mr. Speaker.

So again, I’d be happy to meet with Deb and Rickey following proceedings and learn a little bit more about their situation and see how we can we can work with the housing authority to make sure we find the best path forward for both. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Deb and Rickey are constituents of mine. Deb has lived in her apartment for 30 years. That’s three decades. She was told she had to move and find her own place. Rickey has spent the past 12 years in his home in that same building, and he hopes to spend future years there too as well.

This minister’s policy is extremely flawed. It’s harmful. It’s inhumane. Why on earth is that minister evicting seniors from their homes?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I would like to welcome Deb and Rickey to their Assembly. And I’ve made the offer. Myself and my officials would be more than happy to meet with both of them following proceedings today. Thank you.

 

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister’s evicting our seniors — somebody’s grandparents, somebody’s parents, an amputee. It’s cruel. It’s mean-spirited and another sign that this Premier and the minister have lost touch with the people . . .

Speaker Goudy: — This will be the fourth question on this. And calling a minister mean-spirited, his actions may be . . . But please finish the question.

Joan Pratchler: — The people of Saskatchewan deserve better. Deb and Rickey deserve better. In what world does this minister living, where evicting grandmas who have lived in their home for 30 years, okay?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Again, Mr. Speaker, I’ve made the offer. And I will stick to that offer of inviting Deb and Rickey to meet with myself and my officials right after proceedings this afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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