Government Disputes Homelessness Study
Tuesday, May 04, 2010 at 14:49
Some sobering statistics have been released about the level of homelessness in Saskatchewan.
A recent poll by the Salvation Army concludes that one in nine Canadians have experienced homelessness or been on the brink.
That number is closer to one in five in Saskatchewan and Manitoba — numbers the Salvation Army’s Les Marshall calls unacceptable.
Marshall says this is an issue that should not be systemic, arguing there are more than enough financial and human resources available to end the cycle of poverty.
The Opposition says something has to change.
According to NDP critic David Forbes, the monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Regina was $830 last fall, which he says most people can’t afford.
Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer notes the poll included about 1,000 people in the entire country, which she feels indicates the Salvation Army only talked to about 30 people in this province.
Harpauer also says 1,400 new rental units are being constructed in the province or soon will be — something she believes should help lower prices for low-income earners.
She adds the provincial government has also increased the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement, which she says will top up wages for many people.