Question Period (13 May 2026)

From Hansard (13 May 2026)

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Supports for Foster Families

Erika Ritchie: — Mr. Speaker, today we are joined by Kate Greyeyes and her husband, Bill, who have been foster parents for almost four years now. They know that one of the best ways that we can protect children is to invest in foster care to provide safety, stability, and support.

This is a government that chooses not to invest, making it harder for families to make ends meet and pushing foster parents out of the system, which will mean more pressure on those families who are still fostering. Kate and her family know that more is needed.

Will the minister commit to meeting with them and addressing the concerns they have raised?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I too would like to welcome Kate and Bill to this, their Legislative Assembly. And you know what, we completely appreciate and really, really do respect the 450 foster families that we have across this province, Mr. Speaker.

This is a government that works very, very closely with the foster families association on a very regular basis to not only make sure that what is being provided to those foster families is adequate but improving on those services, Mr. Speaker.

I have officials nearby. We will be arranging a meeting with Kate and Bill. Thank you.

 

Erika Ritchie: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I think those words will ring hollow. Let’s be clear about this government’s record. They refuse to give foster families a break, both by allowing the affordability crisis to spiral out of control but also by refusing to ensure that there is appropriate respite care. They aren’t doing nearly enough to help kids with mental health supports, and a long wait time for services can mean foster families are left managing crises for years without adequate professional help.

The Sask Party says this budget was about protecting Saskatchewan. So why did they refuse to protect foster families and the children who rely on them?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again we work extremely closely with the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association to improve the foster parent reimbursement process to make it easier, faster, and more transparent, Mr. Speaker. We increase networking, information sharing, engagement sessions for fosters parents to build relationships, address concerns, and look for opportunities for improvement.

Mr. Speaker, in 2024 our government increased respite and babysitting rates so that foster families can receive a minimum of 10 respite days. And for those that care for children with higher needs, that can be up to 30 days per year. And on a case-by-case basis it could exceed that, Mr. Speaker.

This is a government, again, that works very closely with the foster families association to make sure that all children who are in foster homes or could be placed in foster homes are safe and supported. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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