The Saskatchewan NDP is drawing attention to a significant increase in homelessness, as well as unsafe conditions being seen and felt in Saskatchewan hospitals.

In an NDP news release, the Opposition says the most recent point-in-time count released late last year identified 1931 homeless people in Saskatoon, which is nearly four times the number registered in 2022.

It adds that the Saskatoon Fire Department reported 1,248 encampments as of September last year, up from 218 discovered during all of 2024. Quotes from Claire Card, a woman who volunteers helping those in need, were included in the news release, stating that has witnessed firsthand unhoused people losing toes and fingers to frostbite.

A separate NDP news release states that the Province has known about a safety crisis in Saskatchewan hospitals for years but has yet to take action.

According to the NDP, the 2024/25 annual report from the Ministry of Health found that there were more than 300 critical incidents in Saskatchewan hospitals between 2023 and 2025. Of those, 17 incidents involved criminal acts being committed towards a patient, and in one instance a patient was even abducted. It was also reported that violent incidents, although underreported, doubled in hospitals between 2022-23 and 2023-24.

In a written response, Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill touched on the recent announcement of an independent review, which he calls “an important step in strengthening hospital safety and security province‑wide. The review will consider how Protective Services respond to incidents in ways that protect patients and staff while supporting culturally safe, respectful care environments.” He adds that, “The NDP continue to criticize our healthcare system while offering no ideas or plans to improve healthcare. The implementation of metal detectors is not the only solution but an important step going forward as we work together with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to improve access to care and security.”