Latest news with #TerryJenson
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
BREAKING GROUND FOR A NEW TRANSITIONAL APARTMENT IN PRINCE ALBERT Français
PRINCE ALBERT, SK, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan today announced funding of $3.76 million to help build a new transitional housing apartment for individuals in need in Prince Albert, with a focus on women experiencing hardship. This low-rise apartment will provide affordable and supportive housing and will offer temporary accommodation and aims to assist individuals in moving from challenging circumstances toward stability, well-being and independence. Developed by YWCA Prince Albert, the multi-million-dollar project will add 20 one-bedroom units to the city, which will contain 10 bachelor units, eight one-bedroom units, two one-bedroom barrier-free units and a common area for services. The property will be located on 18 th Street West and the units are expected to be completed in early 2027. YWCA Prince Albert is a non-profit organization providing shelter, supportive housing, and assistance to marginalized populations to help break the cycle of poverty. For this project, YWCA Prince Albert (YWCA) plans to give priority tenancy to women transitioning from YWCA programs, which includes women and youth at risk of violence and homelessness and young mothers. Tenants will receive support services through YWCA Prince Albert's various programs. As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. Quotes: "These homes being built by YWCA Prince Albert will provide individuals in need a safe space and peace of mind. The federal government is committed to supporting communities across the country in ensuring every Canadian has a place to call home." – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "This investment will provide vulnerable women with a safe, supportive place to call home and hope for a brighter future. With strong support of community partners, we are happy to see construction begin on this new transitional housing development that will provide stability and life-changing support for women in need," – The Honourable Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) "We are glad to be starting construction on this much-needed project in partnership with the municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Between rising costs and low housing supply in Prince Albert, finding appropriate housing is challenging, particularly on limited or fixed incomes. Our new twenty-unit low-income housing build will help to address some of the gaps we're seeing for individuals and families living in the lower income brackets. We will be providing support as needed through our Community Connection Centre for things such as employment assistance, renter information, and more." -- Donna Brooks, YWCA Prince Albert CEO. "We're pleased to support this important initiative. Affordable housing is a vital part of a healthy community, and this project is an important step toward ensuring everyone in Prince Albert has access to safe, stable housing," – Michael Nelson, Planning and Development Manager, City of Prince Albert. Quick facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence. NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need. All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities. In 2019, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan entered into an agreement through the National Housing Strategy. The Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Agreement will invest $585 million over 10 years, which is cost matched between the federal and provincial governments. The Rental Development Program (RDP) provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the development of affordable rental housing units for households with low incomes. The RDP is funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC). YWCA Prince Albert provides shelter, supportive housing, and assistance to marginalized populations to help break the cycle of poverty. Operating since 1912, YWCA offers two crisis shelters, housing projects, housing case management, recovery services, settlement services, and comprehensive support programs. Since 2007, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) has worked with Prince Albert housing providers to develop 415 affordable rental units. In addition, through SHC's Shelter Enhancement Program, YWCA has completed multiple shelter improvements benefiting victims of family violence, with funding of $199,000. Funding provided for this project is as follows: $3,762,516 in cost-matched funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) – Saskatchewan Priorities Initiative (SPI) $414,694 from YWCA Prince Albert $30,000 from the City of Prince Albert Associated Links: Visit for the most requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed so far. In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released Saskatchewan's Growth Plan: the Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the Government's vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. To learn more, visit SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
CTV News
21-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Saskatchewan exempts Canada Disability Benefit from income assistance programs
The SAID program provides long-term income support and services to those with disabilities. (Pexels) The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that the Canada Disability Benefit will be exempt from its core income assistance programs. This means that people with disabilities can receive up to $200 per month in additional federal income without affecting their provincial income assistance benefits. Social Services Minister Terry Jenson says this will put more money in the pockets of Saskatchewan income assistance clients. 'Our government is committed to supporting people with disabilities, and we brought our Saskatchewan perspective to collaborations with the Government of Canada on this new program,' Jenson said in a news release. The province says as part of the 2025-26 budget, Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) benefits have increased by two per cent. The SAID program provides long-term income support and services to those with disabilities. SAID benefits include a living income benefit, disability income benefit, and exceptional need income benefit, varying depending on individual needs. As of April 1, 2025, annual earned income exemptions have been updated to $7,500 for singles, $8,700 for couples, and $9,500 for families
Cision Canada
19-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS OPEN FOR SENIORS IN SASKATOON THROUGH FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL FUNDING Français
SASKATOON, SK, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to address the urgent needs of Canadians. To provide seniors with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan announced today a $990,000 joint investment. The official opening of the Columbian Manor Expansion Phase V, developed by KC Charities, marks a significant step in providing safe, supportive homes for low-income seniors. This project is adding 134 housing units for seniors in Saskatoon, including the development of 30 one-bedroom units, 20 fully accessible units and 10 barrier-free units for low-income seniors with limited mobility. The developer, KC Charities, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in Saskatoon. Funding provided for this project is as follows: $990,000 in cost-matched funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) – Saskatchewan Priorities Initiative (SPI) $ 340,000 from the City of Saskatoon $1,750,000 from KC Charities Quotes: "Everyone deserves a home to call their own. Thanks to our partnership with Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy, your federal government is helping to make that a reality for more seniors in Saskatoon. Safe, affordable, and accessible senior housing is a key part of our housing plan, making sure no one is left behind." – The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River "When we work together with community partners, we can support developments that make a real difference in the lives of Saskatchewan people. The Columbian Manor project provides dignity, comfort, and connection to seniors who have given so much to our communities." – The Honourable Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) "The City of Saskatoon is proud to support the expansion of Columbian Manor, which reflects our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and caring community. This partnership with KC Charities and other orders of government helps ensure that seniors in Saskatoon have access to safe, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive." - Mayor Cynthia Block, Mayor City of Saskatoon "A place to call home, where comfort meets affordability, and every senior is valued, respected, and cared for." - Norma Denis, Executive Director of Operations, KC Charities Inc Quick facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence. NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need. All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities In 2019, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan entered into an agreement through the National Housing Strategy. The Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Agreement will invest $585 million over 10 years, which is cost matched between the federal and provincial governments. The Rental Development Program (RDP) provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the development of affordable rental housing units for households with low incomes. The RDP is funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC). KC Charities is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in Saskatoon. Since 2007, it has worked with government and community partners to develop over 150 affordable housing units, helping seniors live independently in a caring and inclusive environment Associated Links: Visit for the most requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed so far. In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released Saskatchewan's Growth Plan: the Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the Government's vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. To learn more, visit SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Sask. Opposition trumpets report criticizing social assistance programs
Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP says the provincial government needs to rethink its Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program after a new report found that some users feel the service failed to meet their basic needs. "We need to fix SIS urgently," said NDP social services critic Brent Blakley at a news conference Tuesday. For the report, the Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership spoke with 35 users of the SIS or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) programs, along with 55 community service providers who often work with people using these programs. The survey found "widespread dissatisfaction and significant gaps in meeting basic needs," according to the report. Many of the people reported that the benefits these programs provide are not adequate to support basic needs, such as rent for housing, food and utilities. Many also pointed to a concern over financial pressures placed on income support clients. The chief issue raised was a call for the province to reinstate direct payments for rent and utilities to landlords and utility companies, an issue that has been raised continuously since the change away from that system, according to the report. "The SIS program, designed to help people in crisis is now pushing them over the edge. We've heard from shelters, from housing workers, from community agencies they move away from direct payment has failed," Blakely said. In a statement, Social Services Minister Terry Jenson defended the government's changes to the SIS program. Jenson said the ministry does directly pay rent and utilities, "for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) clients who require it." He also noted that the SIS monthly benefit has increased four years in a row, with the most recent increase if two per cent coming into effect in May as part of the most recent provincial budget. Critics have said that increase is not nearly enough to assist those living on the edge of poverty. Homelessness in Saskatoon The NDP also drew a line between support for those in poverty and the growing number of homeless people in Saskatoon. The latest point-in-time count in the city found that on a particular day in 2024, there were 1,499 people experiencing homelessness. That's nearly nearly triple the number reported in 2022. "This isn't just a number. These are people, families, seniors, youth sleeping in cars, in tents or on the street and this didn't happen overnight. It's the direct result of government choices," said NDP housing critic April ChiefCalf. ChiefCalf said the province has allowed housing costs to rapidly increase while refusing to fix vacant housing units owned by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. That's left thousands of units across the province damaged and empty, Chiefcalf said. A report by the provincial auditor released last year found the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation owned approximately 3,000 units in Regina. The report said that of the 534 units vacant in the province's capital, 364 were out of service and needing repair. At that same time, 404 households were waiting for social housing units. Minister Jenson said this year's provincial budget will begin to address the issue of provincial-owned housing, with $9.2 million in spending going to multi-year repair and renovation projects to 285 Saskatchewan Housing Corporation units, including 44 units at Westview Place in Saskatoon.
Global News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Saskatoon faces record high levels of homelessness
City officials gathered on Tuesday, May 27th, to share the results of the 2024 Point in Time (PiT) report. The report revealed that nearly 1,500 individuals are facing homelessness in Saskatoon with a shocking 315 of those individuals being children. The report shows that while Indigenous peoples make up less than 12 per cent of Saskatoon's population, they make up more than 80 per cent of the homeless population. 'We have an obligation to help people; it doesn't matter where they are from. That is all of our responsibility,' says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand in response. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Mental health and addictions were the most frequently reported challenges with 80 per cent of respondents saying they have a substance issue and 60 percent saying they have mental health struggles. Story continues below advertisement The PiT shows that although more people are out on the streets, the use of emergency shelters in the city dropped by 77 per cent since 2022. The top reason for homelessness according to the report was due to evictions and insufficient income. The NDP opposition believe this is due to a decrease in funding for repairs in Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Units, revealing that 3,000 units are currently vacant. In response, the Saskatchewan Government says that $9.2 million in new funding will also start multi-year repair and renovation projects to 285 Saskatchewan Housing Corporation owned units. 'In the coming year, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation will repair up to 1,600 provincially owned housing units and provide 350 more households with safe and affordable housing this year compared to last year,' said Social Services Minister Terry Jenson in a statement to Global News. Watch the video above to learn more about the PiT study.
