The Saskatchewan NDP says what began as an effort to give people financial autonomy has now become a detrimental policy change.  

In 2019, the provincial government decided that those on the Saskatchewan Income Support program would be responsible for paying their own rent and utilities to landlords. This alteration also coincided with the start of the covid-19 pandemic, making for some unfortunate timing. 

Standing at the site of the 20th Street encampment in Saskatoon, Housing Critic April ChiefCalf  says she has heard from frontline organizations about the consequences of this choice.  

“A 2025 report from the Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership directly tied the policy change to evictions,” she explained, adding that financial literacy cannot be learned overnight.

ChiefCalf says now, the provincial government has a choice to make.  

“They can help keep vulnerable people in Saskatchewan housed right now, or, if they refuse, we will reverse these harmful changes when we form the next Saskatchewan NDP government.”

She says the NDP intends to restore the direct payment format this fall in the legislature. 

20th Street Encampment