The suspension of evictions in the province is what Saskatchewan NDP leader Ryan Meili is asking from the provincial government.
In a daily update on Wednesday morning from Saskatoon, Meili asked Premier Scott Moe to follow what other provinces have already implemented in their jurisdictions during the COVID-19 crisis.
He said it’s critical to make sure people have a home at a time when they are wanting people to limit the spread of the virus.
“Whether that is social housing, private rental housing or commercial rentals. Nobody can be put on the street,” stated Meili.
“We’re asking people to stay home. That’s the best thing for their health and it’s the best thing for the health of those around us.”
When asked what his party would like to see in terms of duration, Meili suggested the government should commit to it for as long as other measures like school closures and emergency orders are in place.
“This is not a time when people should be put into terrible financial circumstances. We need to make sure we’re stopping any evictions, and as we are asking people to stay home, they have a home to stay in,” said Meili.
“I have people on my Twitter feed today saying they don’t know how they are going to stay in their place and they are really worried about what would happen right now if they would even be able to find somewhere.”
Meili is also appreciative of municipal leaders for stepping up their efforts to identify COVID-19 concerns in their communities.
Regina Mayor Michael Fougere has sent a letter to Minister of Social Services Paul Merriman also asking for a pause on residential evictions during the pandemic.
