Sask. auditor’s report 2024: Investigation on social services hotel spending released [Video]

An audit stemming from concerns over government practices of securing hotel rooms for those on social assistance has been released.

The investigation came after the Saskatchewan NDP alleged that the Sunrise Motel in Regina, which was owned by a Sask. Party MLA, of increasing rates when the Ministry of Social Services began picking up the tab.

Motel receipts provided by the NDP in 2023 showed that a client had paid $132 a night, plus a $200 damage deposit, when she initially checked in.

However, when the Ministry of Social Services decided to foot the bill, the receipts show the government paid $168 a night and then $200 a night a few days later.

This initial complaint led to further debate in the Legislative Assembly, with the NDP calling on the government to report how much it spends on hotels for those on social assistance.

The continued debate and demand for transparency prompted the investigation from the provincial auditor.

According to Volume II of the …