The federal government announced recently investing $30-million in affordable housing, and the provincial NDP now wants the Sask Party government to take action as well. The official opposition urges the government to expand affordable housing options and commit to funding second stage shelters.

Critic for Social Services and Housing, Meara Conway, says she is pleased to see the single biggest federal announcement in affordable housing in Saskatchewan’s history, but she is concerned that the province is nowhere to be found in this. She states that the federal government’s investment along with $1.9-million from the City of Regina will go to the creation of 116 new affordable housing units, and 39 of those will be dedicated specifically for second and third stage housing for those fleeing domestic violence. Conway suggests it’s shouldn’t all be left to the federal government, cities and community-based organizations.

The NDP states that Saskatchewan’s rates of interpersonal violence are almost double the national average, but is one of only two provinces that doesn’t fund second stage housing.