Saskatchewan ignores offer of federal funds to tackle homeless encampments [Video]

Federal housing minister Sean Fraser says he’s going to work directly with the cities of Saskatoon and Regina to tackle homeless encampments, after the province ignored his funding offer last month.

“On September 18, 2024, I sent a letter to each province and territory asking them to partner with the federal government to urgently find shelter for those experiencing homelessness or living in encampments,” Fraser said in a statement on Tuesday.

“In the letter, we offered millions of dollars in additional funding in exchange for partnering with us and matching our contributions.”

Over a month later, Fraser said he still had no response from Saskatchewan, Alberta or Ontario.

In a statement to CTV News, a Saskatchewan Party spokesperson confirmed then-Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky received the letter of offer, but thought it wouldn’t be appropriate to meet at the time, given the proximity to the election.

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