Saskatchewan’s official opposition party wants the province to provide a $3 million aid package for emergency funding.
Sask. NDP leader Ryan Meili would like $1.5 million to go to organizations running frontline emergency shelters, while the other half of funding should go to Saskatchewan’s food banks.
He said he can’t believe they are still asking for this support from the government.
“We’re being a bit more precise with the dollar figure. But the fact is I can’t believe we’re still talking about this,” stated Meili.
“This is so obvious that it’s something that needs to be done and it’s shocking how far behind Saskatchewan is when it comes to supporting the most vulnerable at this difficult time.”
Meili mentioned that other provinces are contributing more than Saskatchewan’s $171,000 announced earlier in the month for shelters and other areas supporting vulnerable residents.
In a release from the NDP, Meili points to provinces such as British Columbia’s contribution of $3 million for food banks, while Alberta has opened 14 new shelter facilities to help relieve stresses felt in that sector. In Nova Scotia, they have leveraged $3 million for frontline organizations.
Meili said it’s really hard to understand what the motivation would be for the provincial government to not act on this plea from residents around Saskatchewan.
“It’s not just the homeless and hunger sector, but it’s all across the board. This government is spending very little,” explained Meili.
“$60 in additional funds compared to $500 to $800 in other provinces. We’re really lagging behind.”
He added that a boost in funding from Saskatchewan’s government would ensure everyone has enough food and somewhere safe to self-isolate during the COVID-19 crisis.
