Saskatchewan's $90M social services initiative underway
Over six months after Saskatchewan's government announced a significant $90 million investment in social services, the initiative is reportedly making progress.
The funding, allocated over two years, aims to enhance shelters, housing, addiction support, and several other critical services.
The Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky said the ongoing efforts to expand the province's social support framework.
"That work is going on every day behind the scenes to bring on more shelters, more supportive housing, and hopefully, folks will have a path to shift to market housing or on their own," said Makowsky.
However, the NDP's social services critic, Meara Conway, argues that while the funding is necessary, it falls short of addressing the full scale of the issues.
"The problem with the current approach is the numbers. It's just a drop in the bucket when you compare the number of spots that are opening up, compared to the actual number in terms of who's needing this kind of service, so I don't think we're going to see real success in this area," Conway said
One of the upcoming projects includes the temporary Idylwyld Complex, a shelter designed to accommodate fifteen people for 18 months.
Minister Makowsky reassured that progress is being made.
"I know work is underway on the construction side, as well as the human resource side, and of course, both will need to come forward, but I think that work is progressing, and is just another avenue for individuals who are having issues," said Makowsky.
As the program and its implementation are still in the early stages, it remains to be seen whether the approach will meet the needs of Saskatchewan's most vulnerable populations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.