“There’s so much more that the Sask Party could be doing to make a real difference in the lives of families who are not benefitting from our prosperity,” Forbes said. “While I agree with many of the Child Welfare initiatives and am committed to Children First principles, the real solution is a comprehensive Anti-Poverty Strategy to address the needs of those vulnerable families.”
Forbes noted that other provinces have made significant strides in combating poverty and pointed to Alberta which announced last week a $3.3 billion commitment to eliminate homelessness. Ontario has also unveiled a Poverty Reduction Strategy aimed at providing quality of life opportunities for all residents there.
“Other provinces are clearly moving in this direction while the Sask Party refuses to support community programs like Station 20 West or the West Side Clinic and operates only through ad hoc responses to crises,” Forbes said. “The needs of the people in our province who are being left behind by our success need to be recognized by this government.”
Forbes said economic and social independence for all people is a priority for New Democrats and the key goals behind programs introduced by the NDP such as the Neighbourhood Home Ownership Program (NHOP). He said he fears the demise of the NHOP and support for those who are in absolute homelessness. He also noted that the HomeFirst policy framework expires this year with no plan yet announced to replace it.
“Once again the government is waiting until the 11th hour to act,” Forbes said. “There is no shortage of demand for these valuable programs but as they come to an end, the Sask Party leaves the most vulnerable in our province without a long-term strategy for adequate affordable housing or community health.”
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According to Statistics Canada, under the Wall government, more people in Saskatchewan are receiving Employment Insurance than ever before?
"People complained about the highways, and now they’re complaining about these beds. Which do they want, highways or health care?"
- Saskatchewan Party MLA for Cannington and Government House Leader, Dan D'Autremont
Lingenfelter blast Wall over lack of transparency...
May 6, 2010
"There is a clause in the agreement that says that the Saskatchewan government has to consult the Alberta and British Columbia governments before it can pass legislation. This government isn't even agreeing to consult with Saskatchewan residents, and yet they're supposed to consult with people outside of Saskatchewan as to what they can and can't do. That is absolutely ridiculous." -NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter, The Prairie Dog
