Leadership Candidates
Response to Homelessness
Saskatchewan finds itself today with another of its often recurring Extreme Cold Warnings. One can’t help but wonder what it must feel to not have a place to call home. Homelessness is a serious issue facing many citizens in Saskatchewan. Homelessness is a serious issue facing many citizens in Saskatchewan.
Some are a pay cheque away from losing their home. Others struggling with homelessness end up couch surfing in unsafe housing, living rough on the street, or frequenting our province’s shelters, detox centres, emergency rooms or prisons.
People who live day to day without a home are faced with both physical and emotional risks, and are forced to use emergency services, often inappropriately, in order to survive. Critical needs often remain unmet. The stability that comes with having a home cannot be overstated. Every person in Saskatchewan needs a home that is safe, affordable and appropriate.
Our communities and our government must work together to find solutions to homelessness. Recently, each provincial party Leadership Candidate was asked a series of questions about homelessness in our province and what they would plan to do about it, should they become Premier. We received responses from 6 of the 7 candidates running for leadership of Saskatchewan’s two major parties. We thank the candidates for taking time to consider this question.