The Metis Nation Saskatchewan (MN-S) says it will be stepping in to provide funding to the North Battleford Lighthouse Supported Living emergency shelter.

The shelter recently closed its doors after the Provincial Metis Housing Corporation decided to switch their funding to programs in the far north.

MN-S Housing Minister, Ryan Carriere, says the homeless are the most susceptible when it comes to COVID-19 and with no other apparent homeless shelters in the Battleford region, MN–S will take up the challenge and fund the 37-bed facility. He says discussions are also underway to determine a path toward more substantial, community funding partners that could see a shelter operate indefinitely.

The decision comes off the heels of NDP Leader Ryan Meili calling on Premier Scott Moe and the provincial government to ensure proper funding at the end of February.

The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords is an extension of the Lighthouse Supported Living facility in Saskatoon.

(CJWW)