Homelessness Crisis in Saskatoon
Mental Health and Addictions, Income Assistance, Vacancy Rates, Emergency Shelters, Crime Statistics and the current Provincial Government.
This paper is the second in a series of papers that serves as the official political platform for my candidacy as Mayor of Saskatoon in the November, 2024 civic election.
Executive Summary
Whenever I express my interest in running for Saskatoon City Council; often I am asked: “What will/would you do about the homelessness problem in Saskatoon?” Or, something to this effect, sentiment. And, this is a legitimate question; a pressing societal concern but the problem is that there is no easy answer or solution to this complex issue faced by society today.
My first response is always by stating the fact that this is actually a provincial government responsibility that the Cities have very little control over. And, although this answer is technically correct, according to law, the problem is that this answer is lazy and fails to satisfactorily explain the complex situation faced by the homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless in society.
Then, how, as a society, can we best address the homelessness crisis?
In order to offer any solutions to the homelessness crisis in Saskatoon; you first need to understand the current state of affairs that is the service delivery for addictions, mental health and income assistance programs in Saskatchewan. In addition to the rental vacancy rates; emergency shelters, crime statistics and the Provincial Government.
The homelessness crisis is about the need for safe and autonomous housing. In fact, short-term, emergency shelters are the foundation to correcting the homelessness crisis in society; which then needs to be followed up with medium-term, transitional supportive housing with rents that are geared towards income.
Introduction
[1] It is paramount to remember that the homeless are people, in society, equally worthy and deserving of care, concern and respect for their dignity (individual self-worth). Dignity is that one thing that can never be taken from someone, no matter how badly that person may be treated. Our dignity is what makes us individuals equally worthy and deserving of care and concern from society. Nobody wants to ask for help or expects a handout from society, especially the homeless. But, what the homeless need is acknowledging the fact that they exist, that they are a person and that they deserve respect/concern, from society, for their dignity. The homeless need to be treated with equality before and under the law and with the equal access, benefit and protections of the law and, in particular, without discrimination.
[2] Some of the most vulnerable and needy in society – the homeless – have complex needs that far outpace the standard level of care; services currently being provided for by the federal and provincial governments. And, this is at the very root of the problem; the lack of affordable housing, chronic underfunding for mental health, addictions and social programs.
[3] As a society, it is highly inappropriate for the main interaction, with the homeless, being from the police, fire and emergency medical services of a city.
[4] Perhaps a brief overview of the sad state of affairs that are the service delivery for mental health, addictions and social programs, from the Saskatchewan Party government, should be considered before moving onto the affordable housing crisis.
Mental Health and Addictions Programs
[5] There has been a shift, in the right direction, from the Saskatchewan Party government, since April, 2023; in fact, at the time, the province operated: “475 existing pre-treatment, detoxification, treatment, and post-treatment beds across the province”. (1) And, that the province was looking for an immediate solution to the ongoing mental health and addictions crisis throughout the province as was announced by Mental Health and Addictions Minister Everett Hindley about: “…the addition of 36 virtual outpatient treatment spaces through EHN Canada that will begin coming online this spring.” (2)
[6] The provincial government further announced the expansion of the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) in April, 2023: “The goal of PACT is to provide appropriate care for individuals who would be better served in the community, reducing emergency room visits and helping to keep clients who are facing a mental health crisis out of the criminal justice system.” (3)
[7] Then in October, 2023; the provincial government announced: “$40.2 million in new funding over the next two years to create 155 new supportive housing spaces, 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces, and enhance community safety and outreach responses that include 30 new complex needs emergency shelter spaces.” (4)
[8] On November 2, 2023, the province announced: “18 new addictions treatment spaces, including eight for youth, at Possibilities Recovery Center in Saskatoon.” (5) With the November 2, 2023 announcement; the province now has: “561 pre-treatment, detoxification, treatment, and post-treatment beds across the province operated by the [Saskatchewan Health Authority] and third-party partners.” (6)
[9] On January 3, 2024; the province announced an additional 14 addictions treatment spaces in Saskatoon, which consists of 10 spaces for adults and 4 spaces for youths:
“Possibilities Recovery Center was one of the successful proponents chosen through the competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated by the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) seeking addictions treatment services, including intensive outpatient services, inpatient treatment services, and recovery or transitional services.” (7)
[10] And, most recently on March 20, 2024; the province announced: “A record investment of $574.0 million in the 2024-25 Budget supports mental health and addictions services with a $56.0 million, or 10.9 per cent, increase from 2023-24.” (8)
[11] The Ministry of Health has provided a Mental Health and Addictions Budget PDF that shows the provinces increased funding to mental health and addictions programs:
Source: Mental Health and Addictions Budget 2024-25 - BACKGROUNDER FINAL.pdf
Public Relations Stunt?
[12] The problem with the initiatives undertaken by the Saskatchewan Party government since 2023 is it seriously looks exactly like a public relations (PR) stunt. And, although this funding is long overdue; nowhere does this become more evident that this is a PR stunt, from the current provincial government, when considering the fact that these resources should have been in place and prior to the opening of the Emergency Wellness Centre (EWC) in December, 2022. The EWC is a recurring theme throughout this paper.
[13] Consider, in the November, 2023 press release; the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions, Tim McLeod, reported that the province has committed to adding: “500 total addictions treatment spaces over the next five years”. And, as of April, 2023; the province only had: “475 existing pre-treatment, detoxification, treatment, and post-treatment beds across the province”.
[14] What this actually means is that the Saskatchewan Party government acknowledges the fact that their government has chronically underfunded mental health and addictions programs throughout Saskatchewan and since, at least, December, 2022.
Round of Applause?
[15] No, the Saskatchewan Party government does not get to pat themselves on the back for doing the bare minimum of increasing funding for mental health and addictions programs throughout the province, especially when the provincial government is solely responsible for the chronic underfunding of mental health and addictions programs in the first place.
[16] If that is the sad state of affairs for the service delivery of mental health and addictions programs throughout the province. How badly can the service delivery for Social Services (income/disability assistance and supplement) programs look?
Political Stunt
[17] It is more probable than not that the Saskatchewan Party government had a political stunt planned for the reworking of the social services programs in the province.
Social Services
[18] In fact, nowhere does this become more evident than when considering that the provincial government planned for the dismantling and rebuilding of social services programs, in the province, which started with the introduction of the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program in June, 2019 and ended with the sunsetting of the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP) in August, 2021. (9)
[19] Being on the SIS program provides for less than under the previous SAP program; in fact, in one single mothers case from October, 2021, this mother: “is finding herself about $500 short every month since the change to SIS.” (10) And: “that on the old SAP system, she had her rent and utilities paid for, and also received a $305 rental supplement and a monthly allowance of $285.” (11) Under the SAP program, this same person received money for her special needs child’s dietary constraints and sanitary supplies.
[20] The Ministry of Social Services claims that under the SIS program: “clients become more independent by having them pay their own bills.” (12) Although there may be some merit to this claim; it appears that the provincial government was looking for ways to reduce the costs for the delivery of social services and in an attempt at limiting budget increases. And, what better way to save a few bucks than by forcing the most needy and vulnerable, in society, to pay their own bills by simply claiming that social service clients need to be more independent amid a housing crisis?
[21] According to the province, the ostensible rationale for the SIS program is it: “helps people in need meet their basic needs while they become more self-sufficient and independent to the best of their abilities.” (13) This is irrefutable proof of the provinces manufactured social services crisis; what other explanation could there be for setting the neediest, in society, up for failure?
[22] As of May 1, 2024; the SIS programs benefits and rates, for a single person in Saskatoon, is $355.00 dollars a month for the adult basic benefit and $650.00 dollars a month for the shelter benefit, thereby totalling $1,005.00 dollars a month in SIS program benefits. (14)
[23] In addition, the SIS program now provides for a $150.00 dollar a month Stabilization Benefit to help support clients maintain stable housing and a special needs diet benefit of $50-150 dollars a month. One significant change, for the SIS program, is the shift to providing, landlords, with security deposits of up to $650.00, which is reflective of the $650.00 dollar shelter benefit, instead of the previous $459.00 dollar shelter benefit and damage deposit guarantee. (15) Maybe landlords will now consider renting to SIS program recipients?
Matter of the Fact (facts matter)
[24] That is all fine and dandy and change headed in the right direction for the delivery of social services programs in Saskatchewan. But, unfortunately, in Saskatoon, the current vacancy rate, in the rental market, is 2% and dropping and the average price for a two-bedroom rental is $1,360.00 dollars a month. (16) The going rate for a one-bedroom apartment, if available, ranges wildly from anywhere between $800-1150.00 dollars a month, notwithstanding area of the city.
Social Services Clients Benefitting from Income Assistance Increases
[25] In a press release from April 22, 2024; the Saskatchewan Party government states that since 2007: “the ministry [social services] has increased its investment in income assistance programs by almost $332.6 million, or 108.1 per cent.” (17) Over a 17-year period, this works out to an average of about $19.56 million dollars a year for the service delivery of income assistance programs.
[26] In this same press release, the province goes on to say: “Seniors, individuals and families with low incomes are beginning to receive higher monthly benefits, as increases to income assistance rates announced in the 2024-25 provincial budget come into effect.” (18)
[27] The province continues with: “Effective May 1, 2024, monthly income assistance benefits will rise by three per cent for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) clients.” (19)
[28] Finally, from the same press release; the province states: “SIS clients will see their benefits increase for the third time in three years. A $7.4 million investment will have households receive an increase of up to $90 per month. This includes Adult Basic Benefit and Shelter Benefit increasing by up to $60 per household per month, and the Alternate Heating Benefit increasing by $30 per month.” (20)
Why would the Province want to Play Games?
[29] Upon closer consideration; it appears that the Saskatchewan Party government was playing the long game. The province lay the foundation for social services reforms starting in June, 2019 with the introduction of the SIS program, which ended with the sunsetting of the SAP program in August, 2021. And, since September 1, 2021, the province could do nothing but work out the kinks in the new SIS program; at least this is the way the situation is portrayed by the hapless provincial government, despite actually decreasing income assistance for program recipients under the SIS program than compared with the SAP program.
[30] The province had to make necessary adjustments to the way the new SIS program operated, including returning to the previous method of direct payments to landlords for some income assistance clients, according to the Ministry of Social Services website:
“While the majority of clients are successful in managing their money and paying their own bills, some clients require additional support. In these instances, the ministry may provide direct payment of shelter benefits available for rent, utilities and security deposits on their behalf, or make arrangements for a trustee to help clients manage their entire budget.” (21)
[31] In fact, from a March 20, 2024 press release; the province states the need for expanding the trusteeship and money management services for Ministry of Social Services clients with complex needs through partnership with community-based organizations: “Approximately 150 more clients will receive trusteeship and money management services to help them pay their rent and other bills each month.” (22)
Election Time Political Stunt
[32] The Saskatchewan Party government needs a political win, even if this win comes at the expense of the residents of Saskatchewan. And, nowhere does this become more evident that this was a political stunt when considering the provincial governments posturing of increasing funding to various Ministry’s, including the Ministry of Social Services leading up to the 2024 provincial election.
Budget Highlights for the Ministry of Social Services
[33] A brief look at the Saskatchewan Party governments funding priorities is necessary to determine the provinces commitment to the service delivery of income assistance programs in the province:
- For budget year of 2019-20, the Ministry’s budget was: “$1.23 billion”, a 4.7 per cent increase over last year. (23)
- For budget year of 2020-21, the Ministry’s budget was: “$1.286 billion”, a 4.1 per cent increase from 2019-20. (24)
- For budget year of 2021-22, the Ministry’s budget was: “$1.34 billion”, a 4.2 per cent increase from 2020-21. (25)
- For budget year of 2022-23, the Ministry’s budget was: “$1.386 billion”, a 3.4 per cent increase over 2021-22. (26)
- For budget year of 2023-24, the Ministry’s budget was: “$1.433 billion”, a 3.4 per cent increase over 2022-23. (27)
- For budget year of 2024-25, the Ministry’s budget was: “$1.54 billion”, a 7.8 per cent increase over 2023-24. (28)
Between 2019-24, the Ministry of Social Services budget has increased by $310 million dollars or 27.6 percent. This $310 million dollar increase from 2019-24 is misleading. The difference is with service delivery for income assistance programs and the overall budget increase to the Ministry of Social Services.
Service Delivery for Income Assistance Programs
[34] For example, the $310 million dollars is total funding increases to the Ministry of Social Services, which is not representative of actual increases to the service delivery of income assistance programs. In fact, at paragraph 25 of this paper; according to the provincial government’s own numbers, since 2007, service delivery for income assistance programs has increased by $332.6 million dollars or 6.36 per cent per year.
[35] The total funding for the Ministry of Social Services increased by about $310 million dollars from 2019-24; however, for the service delivery of income assistance programs this is actually only $117.8 million dollars of the total $310 million dollars during same period. The other $192.2 million dollars, for same period of 2019-24 is spent by the Ministry of Social Services on employee wages, benefits, administration of service delivery and operating costs.
[36] It will be interesting to see if the Saskatchewan Party government campaigns; parades around on all the increased funding for the Ministry of Social since 2019, which is deceiving considering the fact that for the service delivery of income assistance programs. The Ministry of Social Services has only paid out income assistance benefits averaging $19.56 million dollars a year since 2007.
[37] Where does the EWC, administered by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, come into the larger homelessness crisis in Saskatoon?
Emergency Wellness Centre in Saskatoon
[38] The EWC was a stop gap solution, in Saskatoon, to the manufactured homelessness crisis from the Saskatchewan Party government. The EWC is short-term, crisis intervention for the homeless; the EWC is not a permanent solution, it is only the first step in addressing the homelessness crisis in Saskatoon.
[39] Everyone has so much to say; opinions about the EWC but nobody wants to offer any solutions to the homelessness crisis in Saskatoon. In fact, an emergency shelter that was scheduled to open in Sutherland was scrapped, by City Council, due to public pressure in late February, 2024: “Council approved a motion last week stating that emergency shelters must be at least 250 metres away from elementary schools, which effectively shut down plans for a proposed shelter in the Sutherland neighbourhood.” (29)
Community Changes and Response to Emergency Shelters
[40] However, City Council recently requested a report, on statistics, from the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department. This report concluded that crime rates have increased across Saskatoon and are not limited to the surrounding areas of the EWC:
“For the first time in SPS history, 2023 saw over 150,000 calls for service being made to the Saskatoon Police. Calls for service received increased 12% from 2022 to 2023. Property Crime increased to 17976 from 16820, showing an increase of 6.87%. Violent crime also increased city wide by 7.33%, from 4131 to 4434.” (30)
[41] The data prepared for City Council does not support a finding of fact that the EWC is responsible for any increase in crime in and around the EWC: “However, police data was unable to point to the wellness centre as a cause for crime. More crime is being reported in dozens of neighbourhoods in Saskatoon.” (31)
[42] In this same report, the SPS stated: “Calls for service reflect community concerns and residents’ perception of safety.” (32) Community concerns and residents’ perceptions of safety is highly subjective and based off of personal bias; how members of the community view the homelessness situation at large. This is not based in fact or reality, only conjecture and anecdote.
Methodology
[43] When a member of the community calls the SPS for service; the call type is categorized:
“Increasingly, the SPS has seen calls for service reflecting social disorder, which can turn into criminal activity but, reflect addictions, homelessness, mental health or other non-criminal matters. These calls for service often affect citizen perception of safety and police do respond to them, however they often do not result in occurrences or arrests due to the nature of the situation.” (33)
[44] In fact, the majority of calls for police services around the EWC are for ‘social disorder’, which is defined as: “Suspicious Persons, Intoxication, Indecent Exposure, Disturbance, Need Ambulance, Drug Offences, Mental Health, Panhandling.” (34) And, not for violent or property crimes. More on property crimes shortly.
Fairhaven and Confederation (SC)
[45] Since the opening of the EWC in December, 2022; calls for service has increased by 38% in Fairhaven. And, calls for service in Confederation (SC) has increased by 122% during this same period.
[46] For the purposes of this paper, only property crime will be considered in Confederation (SC) and Fairhaven since the opening of the EWC.
[47] In Fairhaven, the SPS report states: “Property Crime had increased since the EWC opened, almost doubling before it began to decrease in late summer 2022 [sic].” NOTE 1.
Source: Community Changes and Response to Emergency Shelters.pdf at page 8.
[48] The most significant increase in property crimes is in Confederation (SC):
“Property crime in Confederation SC has also increased significantly. The most significant increase was due to Shoplifting Under $5000 specifically at one commercial business. (751 incidents in 2023 occurred at a single commercial business).” (35)
This represents a 300 per cent increase in property crime in Confederation (SC) since the EWC opened.
Source: Community Changes and Response to Emergency Shelters.pdf at page 9.
Correlation and Causation
[49] There is a correlation with increased property crime in Confederation (SC) since the EWC opened in December, 2022; however, correlation does not mean causation and it is misleading to say or suggest the EWC is responsible for any increase in crime in Fairhaven and Confederation (SC).
[50] Consider the nature of the increased crime; it is property crime in Confederation (SC) and social disorder in Fairhaven. But, City Wide, violent crime is down and property crime is up.
[51] In Fairhaven, 3 of the top 5 call types, to the SPS for service, are of a social disorder nature: 1) Suspicious person, 2) Need ambulance, 3) Disturbance, 4) Domestic and 5) missing person. It is concerning that domestic dispute is 4 of 5 calls for service in Fairhaven, which has nothing to do with the EWC.
[52] In Confederation (SC), 4 of the top 5 call types, to the SPS for service, are of a social disorder nature: 1) Suspicious person, 2) Disturbance, 3) Need ambulance, 4) intoxication and 5) theft. The fifth call for service is from a large retailer that reported 751 incidents of theft under $5000 dollars in 2023.
[53] In Saskatoon, the EWC is a very contentious issue for residents that has resulted in pitting neighbour against neighbour and as the political hot topic of the day:
“The Emergency Wellness Centre came to the area in December 2022, and many residents have been vocal about crime they say has increased sharply since then.” (36)
But, the problem with this characterization, residents feel crime has increased sharply since the EWC opened in Fairhaven and Confederation (SC), is the fact that this is simply not supported by the data provided, by the SPS, to Saskatoon City Council.
Percentage Change between Quarter 4 of 2021 and Quarter 4 of 2023 by Neighbourhood.
Source: Community Changes and Response to Emergency Shelters.pdf at page 11.
Did the Province Manufacture a Crisis?
[54] Perhaps this is all just coincidence; perhaps there never really was a manufactured crisis on the part of the Saskatchewan Party government.
[55] Nevertheless, a brief review of the facts is necessary to determine, on a balance of probabilities (more probable than not), if the Saskatchewan Party government engaged in a pattern of public relations and political stunts leading up to the 2024 provincial election with the service delivery of addictions, mental health and income assistance programs in the Province of Saskatchewan. We know that the provincial government:
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Chronically underfunded addictions, mental health and income assistance programs.
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As of April, 2023; the province only had 475 existing pre-treatment, detoxification, treatment, and post-treatment beds across the province for mental health and addictions.
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Announced the SIS program to replace the SAP program in June, 2019.
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Implementation of the SIS program was an unmitigated disaster and in 2024; the Ministry stated the need for expanding the trusteeship and money management services for up to 150 income assistance clients with complex needs.
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Since 2007, the province has increased income assistance by $332.6 million, or 108.1 per cent, which averages out to $19.56 million dollars or 6.36 per cent a year over a 17-year period.
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As of May, 2024; the maximum benefits a single person in Saskatoon can qualify for under the SIS program is $1,005.00 dollars a month, without other subsidies.
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Effective May 1, 2024, monthly income assistance benefits will rise by three per cent for SIS and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability clients.
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For SIS clients, this is the third year in which they receive a rate increase.
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From 2019-24, the Ministry of Social Services budget has increased by $310 million dollars or 27.6 per cent; however, this is misleading because for service delivery of income assistance programs, this is only $117.8 million dollars during same period.
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Saskatoon has a 2 per cent vacancy rate in the rental market; the average price for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,360.00 a month.
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In 2023, the SPS received over 150,000 calls for service; property and violent crime are up across Saskatoon not just Fairhaven and Confederation (SC). And, finally,
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The SPS report prepared for City Council does not support a finding of fact that the EWC is responsible for any increase in crime, in and around the EWC.
High Probability of Political Stunt/Manufactured Crisis
[56] Yes, it is more probable than not that the Saskatchewan Party government manufactured a crisis that only the provincial government could correct. This crisis started in June, 2019, with the announcement of the SIS program; the crisis was in full effect when the SAP program officially went offline at the end of August, 2021. And, since September, 2021; the provincial government made it look like they were (slowly) working out the kinks of the SIS program, which resulted in the government taking corrective action by increasing funding for the Ministry of Social Services. In addition, to the provincial government increasing funding for the service delivery of mental health and addictions programs throughout Saskatchewan.
Answer/Solution to Homelessness Crisis
[57] The answer to alleviating homelessness, in society, is safe and autonomous housing. In the short-term, emergency shelter is necessary for anyone who is homeless. And, in the medium-term, transitional supportive housing with rents that are geared towards income must be provided. In addition to providing adequate addictions, mental health and income assistance programs.
Mike Harder
References
(1) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “Addictions Treatment Further Expanded Across Saskatchewan”. Released on: April 17, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/april/17/addictions-treatment-further-expanded-across-saskatchewan
(2) Ibid.
(3) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “Province Expands Police and Crisis Team in Regina and Saskatoon”. Released on: April 21, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/april/21/province-expands-police-and-crisis-team-in-regina-and-saskatoon
(4) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “Government Announces New Provincial Approach to Homelessness”. Released on: October 6, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/october/06/government-announces-new-provincial-approach-to-homelessness
(5) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “New Addictions Treatment Spaces Open In Saskatoon”. Released on: November 2, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/november/02/more-addictions-treatment-spaces-open-across-saskatchewan
(6) Ibid.
(7) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “Saskatoon to Open More Addiction Treatment Spaces”. Released on: January 3, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2024/january/03/saskatoon-to-open-more-addiction-treatment-spaces
(8) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “Record Budget Supports Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan”. Released on: March 20, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2024/march/20/record-budget-supports-mental-health-and-addictions-action-plan
(9) Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. CBC News. “Sask. announces new social assistance program to replace 2 others”. Published on: June 18, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-new-social-assistance-program-repleaces-2-others-1.5179941
(10) Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. CBC News. “New social assistance program is fuelling homelessness in Saskatoon, say advocates and landlords”. Author: Pratyush Dayal. Published on: October 19, 2021. Retrieved from:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/new-social-assistance-program-fuelling-homelessness-in-saskatoon-1.6215506
(11) Ibid.
(12) Ibid.
(13) Government of Saskatchewan. Ministry of Social Services. “Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS)”. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support/financial-help/saskatchewan-income-support-sis
(14) Ibid.
(15) Ibid.
(16) Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Rental Market Report”, at page 36. Author: CMHC. Date Published: January 31, 2024. Retrieved from CMHC website: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/market-reports/rental-market-reports-major-centres
(17) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “Social Services Clients Benefitting from Income Assistance Increases”. Date published: April 22, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2024/april/22/social-services-clients-benefitting-from-income-assistance-increases
(18) Ibid.
(19) Ibid.
(20) Ibid.
(21) Supra, at reference 13. Under: “5. Trusteeship, Money Management and Direct Pay”.
(22) Government of Saskatchewan. News and Media. “Social Services Budget Supports Growing Needs of Saskatchewan People, Families and Children”. Published on: March 20, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2024/march/20/social-services-budget-supports-growing-needs-of-saskatchewan-people-families-and-children
(23) Government of Saskatchewan. Ministry plans for 2019-20: Social Services. “Highlights” at page 7. Retrieved from: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/100140
(24) Government of Saskatchewan. Ministry plans for 2020-21: Social Services. “Highlights” at page 7. Retrieved from: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/104456
(25) Government of Saskatchewan. Ministry plans for 2021-22: Social Services. “Highlights” at page 9. Retrieved from: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/112414
(26) Government of Saskatchewan. Ministry plans for 2022-23: Social Services. “Highlights” at page 2. Retrieved from: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/117223
(27) Government of Saskatchewan. Ministry plans for 2023-24: Social Services. “Highlights” at page 2. Retrieved from: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/120477
(28) Government of Saskatchewan. Ministry plans for 2024-25: Social Services. “Highlights” at page 2. Retrieved from: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/123244
(29) Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. CBC News. “Future of proposed emergency shelter in limbo after Saskatoon city council passes new location rules”. Author: Pratyush Dayal. Published on March 4, 2024. Retrieved from:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/future-of-emergency-shelter-in-saskatoon-in-limbo-1.7134753
(30) Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD). “Community Changes and Response to Emergency Shelters”. Retrieved from: https://pub-saskatoon.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=210617
(31) CTV News Saskatoon. “Arcand finds new crime stats 'validating' for Emergency Wellness Centre”. Author: Keenan Sorokan. Published on: April 5, 2024. Retrieved from: https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/emergency-wellness-centre-staying-in-fairhaven-for-another-year-1.6835959
(32) Supra, at reference 30. “Calls for Service in Fairhaven and Confederation Suburban Centre (SC)”.
(33) Supra, at reference 30.
(34) Supra, at reference 30.
NOTE 1: “Property Crime had increased since the EWC opened, almost doubling before it began to decrease in late summer 2022. – the date, 2022, is obviously a mistake, it should be: “began to decrease in late summer 2023”. The EWC opened in December, 2022.
(35) Supra, at reference 30.
(36) Supra, at reference 31.