SASKATOON, Sask. — The Opposition New Democrats say they are going to introduce legislation this fall to reverse changes to income support and restore direct payment of rent and utilities.
According to the NDP’s news release Monday, its bill would restore the model of having rent and utilities paid directly for income-assistance clients, which the party says will mean greater stability for tenants and greater certainty for landlords that rent will be paid. The new legislative session is due to begin Oct. 27.
The NDP pointed to the government having eliminated the previous option of paying rent and utilities directly to landlords and utility providers when the Saskatchewan Income Support program was introduced in 2019. The party says this move has been linked to missed rent, evictions and housing instability.
It also pointed to the ongoing encampment situation in Saskatoon at 20th Street and Avenue K.
“This encampment did not appear overnight — it is the result of years of decisions that have made it harder for vulnerable people to find and keep a safe place to live,” said NDP Leader Carla Beck in a statement.
“One of the most damaging was the Sask Party’s decision to end direct rent payments. We’re giving Scott Moe a choice: work with us and pass our legislation to help keep people housed now. If he refuses, we will reverse these harmful changes when we form the next Saskatchewan NDP government. Either way, we will get this done.”
But in a statement, the Ministry of Social Services countered the NDP messaging, saying Saskatchewan Income Support already provides direct pay for clients who need it.
It said that as of Nov. 1, 2021, the “Ministry of Social Services implemented direct payments of rent and utilities for SIS clients that require this type of support. Direct pay has continued to be an option for all Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) clients.”
“The vast majority of SIS clients successfully pay their own rent and utilities, and we know household budgeting is a critical skill to building a better life and achieving independence. It is also not new for clients to pay their own bills – 70 per cent of clients under previous programs also paid their own rent and bills.”
The government also pointed to trusteeship and money management support as playing a “critical role in Government’s focus to reduce homelessness by better supporting individuals experiencing complex challenges.”
It pointed to trustees working with clients to pay their bills and ensure basic needs are met. It also stated that trustees can issue direct payment for a portion or all of a client’s bills and help develop money management skills so clients can become more independent and eventually no longer need these supports.
As for the encampment situation, the province pointed to its investment of up to $38.9 million for homelessness services across the province and said the Ministry of Social Services has been actively working to connect with individuals at both encampments to offer services and supports to those who will accept them.
