Federal housing minister will work directly with Saskatoon, Regina on homelessness
Federal housing minister Sean Fraser says he’s going to work directly with the cities of Saskatoon and Regina to tackle homeless encampments, after the province ignored his funding offer last month.
“On September 18, 2024, I sent a letter to each province and territory asking them to partner with the federal government to urgently find shelter for those experiencing homelessness or living in encampments,” Fraser said in a statement on Tuesday.
“In the letter, we offered millions of dollars in additional funding in exchange for partnering with us and matching our contributions.”
Over a month later, Fraser said he still had no response from Saskatchewan, Alberta or Ontario.
In a statement to CTV News, a Saskatchewan Party spokesperson confirmed then-Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky received the letter of offer, but thought it wouldn’t be appropriate to meet at the time, given the proximity to the election.
“Should we be re-elected, we would certainly be willing to have that discussion with the federal government.”
But Fraser says the offer would not have been a surprise. It was part of $250 million in funding announced in the spring federal budget.
“There was ample engagement before the letter was sent, and there is no longer time to wait as the weather gets colder,” Fraser said on Tuesday.
“In these cases — along with any others who do not take quick action — we are now approaching municipalities directly to work with them, urgently.”
Given the limited time before it becomes too dangerous to sleep outdoors, Fraser says they’re going directly to Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Regina and Saskatoon, “given their readiness to quickly adopt cost-matched responses.”
“We will no longer wait for them to muster the political will to act as winter gets closer and lives are put at risk.”
In an emailed statement, the City of Regina said it has yet to receive "official communication from federal representatives" regarding Fraser's statement.
"We remain open to discussions and look forward to any forthcoming collaboration on this important issue."
The City of Saskatoon has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Shoppers raise complaints after being charged twice for Walmart purchases
A Saskatchewan shopper is out more than $200 after being charged twice for her grocery purchase at a Regina Walmart.
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
Premier Moe calls on Trudeau to denounce export taxes as retaliation option against Trump
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly say that export taxes will not be used as a retaliatory measure should U.S. president-elect Donald Trump impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports, arguing that there are 'other ways for us to have an impact.'
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
P.E.I. RCMP looking for man who reportedly jumped from Confederation Bridge
Multiple police and search and rescue teams are looking for a man who reportedly jumped from the Confederation Bridge Friday morning.
'We can’t search forever:' Drug shortage leaves Ontario family scrambling to find epilepsy medication
For months, Rebecca Roland and her family have been scouring the province for pharmacies that carry her father’s epilepsy medication.
Man charged with using explosives in fire that caused $3 million in damage to Mississauga, Ont. building
A man has been charged with using explosives in connection with a fire in Mississauga that caused $3 million in damage to a building housing high-end vehicles on Sunday.
B.C. pharmacist who dispensed 28,400 naloxone doses to single person fined, suspended
A Vancouver pharmacist has been suspended six months, ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and directed to take remedial courses after admitting to misconduct in a consent order agreement with his professional college.
Regina
-
Concern for mandatory neck guards after Churchbridge player faces near fatal accident
Discussions on neck guards being mandatory for hockey players has come to light after a recent senior hockey player in east-central Saskatchewan experienced a near fatal accident.
-
'Lifeblood of this campus': University non-profits face uncertainty following students' union proposal
The future of three non-profit organizations at the University of Regina (U of R) is uncertain following a proposal by the students’ union (URSU).
-
Five Sask. players named to 2025 Canada's World Junior squad
Five Saskatchewan connections have been named to Canada’s U20 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship roster.
Winnipeg
-
'Should be a concern': The Boyd Building put on the endangered list
A Winnipeg building is on the endangered list.
-
'It's crunch time': Businesses opting to hand deliver orders amid Canada Post strike
Even if the Canada Post strike were to end today, it wouldn’t be enough to salvage the holiday season for local businesses, according to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
-
Putting the pieces together: Avid puzzlers share their passion for the hobby
Whether it’s working solo, taking part in competitions or hosting exchanges, Manitobans with a passion for puzzles say the hobby is a perfect fit.
Edmonton
-
Baby found in south Edmonton parking lot died before birth
The baby found in a south Edmonton parking lot last weekend died before birth.
-
Killing in central Edmonton was domestic violence incident: police
One person is facing murder charges in connection with a death in central Edmonton last weekend.
-
'Help them along the way': Widow says MAID program working as province explores adding limitations, increasing oversight
The Government of Alberta is exploring the idea of introducing limitations and provincial oversight to medical assistance in death.
Calgary
-
Widow of pedestrian hit and killed on Elbow Drive supports crosswalk changes
The wife of a Calgary man killed while crossing the road in a marked intersection is pushing for flashing lights to be installed.
-
Alberta's new CTrain Green Line plan includes elevated downtown tracks, more stops
The province has released a “reimagined” plan for the Green Line CTrain track that it says is longer and less expensive than what the City of Calgary had planned.
-
Woman dies after being struck by vehicle in crosswalk in N.E. Calgary
A woman in her late 50s is dead after she was struck by a vehicle in Calgary's northeast on Friday evening.
Lethbridge
-
Province provides $150K to help fund programs for newcomer youth
Brooks, Alta., officials with the John Ware Youth Empowerment Program are hoping gto help even more young newcomers thanks to a $150,000 grant from the province.
-
Hitmen's Howe, Hurricanes' Yager make Team Canada world junior roster
Team Canada announced its 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship roster on Friday, including three players on southern Alberta WHL teams. Tanner Howe, of the Calgary Hitmen, Brayden Yager, of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Gavin McKenna, of the Medicine Hat Tigers, were among the 14 forwards that will be donning the maple leaf later this month.
-
Lethbridge's small businesses feeling the impact of continued Canada Post strike
It’s been four weeks since Canada Post employees went on strike, and small business owners in Lethbridge say the ongoing dispute makes it hard to keep shelves stocked.
Toronto
-
Holiday tax break is a 'pain in the butt' for some Ontario retailers
Some small businesses in Ontario think the upcoming holiday tax break is a 'pain in the butt' that could potentially cause issues before and after the policy is over.
-
'We can’t search forever:' Drug shortage leaves Ontario family scrambling to find epilepsy medication
For months, Rebecca Roland and her family have been scouring the province for pharmacies that carry her father’s epilepsy medication.
-
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
Ottawa
-
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING Here's how to elevate the bow trend this holiday season
Bows and ribbons are the trend this holiday season, whether on Christmas trees or clothing items, an Ottawa expert says.
-
More than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024: Here are the hotspots for thefts
Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service's Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and "single-use crimes," according to police.
Montreal
-
Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness, add shelter spaces
Ottawa and Quebec announced an agreement Friday to help unhoused Quebecers as homeless encampments continue to multiply in the province and frigid weather sets in.
-
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
-
Lawyers in Quebec class actions seek $906M in fees for work in landmark tobacco case
Lawyers representing tens of thousands of Quebecers in two class-action lawsuits against three major tobacco manufacturers will seek to receive more than $900 million in fees for their work in the landmark case that has spanned decades.
Vancouver
-
'We are not just going to sit around': B.C. businesses adjust as they wait for Canada Post deal
Over the four-week work stoppage, small businesses across British Columbia have taken a financial hit.
-
'I feel like I belong': Why TV legend Mike McCardell finally decided to become a Canadian citizen
Retired award-winning broadcaster Mike McCardell was among nearly 70 people taking the oath of Canadian Citizenship in downtown Vancouver Friday.
-
B.C. pharmacist who dispensed 28,400 naloxone doses to single person fined, suspended
A Vancouver pharmacist has been suspended six months, ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and directed to take remedial courses after admitting to misconduct in a consent order agreement with his professional college.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
Vancouver Island
-
Are bigger, better vessels coming to BC Ferries? Why critics are questioning the proposal
BC Ferries is taking a step forward in its plan to build five new vessels, but critics say the proposal could be steering the province into troubled waters.
-
Strong winds and high tides could bring storm surge to coastal B.C., forecaster says
Environment Canada is warning of a storm surge on British Columbia's south coast that could reach a metre high.
-
'We are not just going to sit around': B.C. businesses adjust as they wait for Canada Post deal
Over the four-week work stoppage, small businesses across British Columbia have taken a financial hit.
London
-
Active investigation underway: LPS
The London Police Service is conducting an active investigation following an early morning incident.
-
CTV News London’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.
-
Lumber mill levelled by mid-morning blaze
A lumber mill is in ruins following a fire east of Wingham, Ont.
Kitchener
-
School warns parents of possible scarlet fever case in Waterloo, Ont.
There are new concerns surrounding a highly contagious infection after a suspected case of scarlet fever was reported at a school in Waterloo, Ont.
-
This little piggy went to the humane society
The Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society has an unusual animal up for adoption after it was found wandering the streets.
-
Good growing season for Christmas trees but climate change concerns remain
Christmas tree farmers in southern Ontario say they’ve had a good growing season, but they remain concerned about the future of the industry.
Northern Ontario
-
Outpouring of support for woman shot at northern Ont. bank
There has been an outpouring of support for a woman who was shot at a northern Ontario bank on Thursday.
-
One dead after single vehicle rollover in northern Ontario
A 65-year-old man from northern Ontario has died after a single-vehicle rollover Thursday evening near Temiskaming Shores.
-
Buckingham Palace maid arrested after drunken brawl at work Christmas party
Buckingham Palace is investigating after a member of staff was arrested at the end of a rowdy Christmas party.
Atlantic
-
P.E.I. RCMP looking for man who reportedly jumped from Confederation Bridge
Multiple police and search and rescue teams are looking for a man who reportedly jumped from the Confederation Bridge Friday morning.
-
Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit
The Roman Catholic Church in southwestern Nova Scotia has filed a lawsuit against two non-profit groups trying to save a historic deconsecrated Acadian church.
-
Man charged with manslaughter in death of missing Cape Breton man
A man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and homicide of a man in Cape Breton this past summer.
N.L.
-
'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff.
-
Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador announce energy deal worth billions
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have signed a sweeping new deal to build new energy projects and throw out a decades-old contract that has long been a source of strife and bitterness for Canada's easternmost province.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador expected to sign Churchill Falls energy deal
Quebec Premier François Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey are scheduled to announce an energy agreement Thursday that could end decades of friction between the two provinces.
