Sask. Opposition, homelessness advocates call on province to suspend controversial new social income program
CBC
Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP and homelessness advocates convened at Pepsi Park in Regina's Heritage neighbourhood on Tuesday to call on the province to address what many are calling a housing crisis brought on by changes in government programs.
They said homelessness is on the rise in Regina. As of noon on Tuesday, there were six tents in Pepsi Park, and 12 people slept in tents there on Monday night. That number fluctuates, according to advocates.
The cluster of tents is being called Camp Marjorie, named after a homeless Regina woman who died last Wednesday. Advocates say the campsite is there to provide the vulnerable with a temporary home, safety and food.
The new Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program, which recently came into effect, is being called the cause of the rise in homelessness.
Housing money is now given directly to people in the program, rather than going straight to their landlords. Anti-poverty advocates and landlords say the change has led to unpaid rent and evictions.
SIS also provides less money than the programs it replaced. Some people who rely on the benefits say their income has been cut in half, and that they can't afford food and shelter.
On Tuesday the Official Opposition called on the province to suspend the SIS program. They want social services to reinstate direct payments of rent to landlords, and to work on a comprehensive housing strategy.
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