NDP accuse Sask. Party of cutting maintenance funding for affordable housing units

Meara Conway

The Official Opposition is accusing the provincial government of cutting SaskHousing supports significantly for several years, resulting in unsafe living conditions for Saskatchewan citizens.

Over three years ago, Shannon Kay and her seven children moved into Sturby Place, a housing unit that, unbeknownst to Kay, had a history of sewage backups. NDP Leader Carla Beck says the suite has flooded with sewage several times, and there is now significant water damage and black mold in Kay’s basement, which is causing her son, River, health issues.

“This little six-year-old boy was exposed to mold in their apartment and developed an allergic reaction causing allergic conjunctivitis. His hands and arms are covered in a painful rash.”

NDP housing critic Meara Conway says Kay shouldn’t have had to travel from Saskatoon to the Legislature to have her voice heard.

“Saskatchewan people deserve so much better. Shannon shouldn’t have to fight so hard just to have a safe place to live for herself and her children. No one in this province shouldn’t have to live in a home plagued with black mold, sewage, pests, rodents. Their unit in Saskatoon isn’t the only one that’s fallen into disrepair.”

She adds that the Sask Party government has cut SaskHousing maintenance funding by 41 per cent.

Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky stated that he isn’t aware of any funding cuts to SaskHousing, but he is happy to meet with the family and help them find a safe place to live.

“Absolutely, as the Premier mentioned, we’d be happy to learn a little more about this situation and see if we can help this family. In this year’s budget there’s an increase for upkeep and remediation and turning over units as much as we possibly can,” Makowsky assured.