There was a rally this morning (weds) in front of the Saskatoon Cabinet office where protesters were demanding changes to the Saskatchewan Income Support Program. Organizers of the Saskatoon rally said they were showing support to change SIS and stop growing evictions and a homeless crisis.

Today is the Speech from the Throne which will kick off to the fall legislative session and another rally has been organized for in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building at noon.

Regina organizers say the recent changes to social assistance have resulted in a reduction in benefits, as well as increased housing insecurity for many across Saskatchewan. They are calling on the government to free up the 300 social housing units that they say are sitting vacant as well a increase the SIS benefits and reverse the change to SIS.

Among those speaking at the rally will be representatives from the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry, Prairie Harm Reduction, Regina Needle Recovery and Community Support as well as Camp Marjorie, the Regina tent city housing many of the community’s homeless.

Earlier this month the provincial NDP was calling for the suspension of the Saskatchewan Income Support program. At the time, Social Services Critic Meara Conway said there should be a return to direct payments to landlords and a housing strategy for those who will be looking for shelter during the winter months.

The NDP says soaring costs is making the SIS program difficult for its recipients in that cuts are coming at a time that there is a rise in cost of living, be it utilities or groceries, in the midst of a pandemic.