The Saskatoon Anti-Poverty Coalition says it makes no economic or ethical sense to keep people so poor that they are likely going to end up ill from things like a lack of nutrition and stress.

Spokesperson Mildred Kerr says those on welfare aren’t receiving enough support to cover their basic needs, so decisions have to be made about what bills not to pay, and often it’s healthy food and necessary clothing items like warm coats and boots. That leads to illness, which Kerr explains adds to the province’s highest cost – health care. She says it has been statistically proven that it’s the poorest people in a society who get sick the most.

Kerr suggests only 50 to 75 per cent of the cost of basic needs are covered by social assistance payments. The Coalition urges voters to find out what the candidates support on this issue when marking their ballots.