REGINA - The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is calling on the next leaders of the Saskatchewan provincial government to take on numerous issues facing communities around the province.
On Wednesday, SUMA called for better housing, social services, and shelters. Additionally, they want more funding to be allocated to prevent alcohol, drugs, mental health and housing-related issues.
SUMA president Randy Goulden believes Saskatchewan is making it harder for local communities to help with crises like addictions or housing affordability.
“Each time we apply some temporary fix or sweep mental health, addictions and housing issues under the rug, it not only places pressure on communities, it also incurs higher costs for our support systems,” said Goulden.
SUMA noted that while the provincial government has made progress regarding recovery beds added in Saskatoon and Regina, issues will continue to ramp up unless changes are made.
The organization noted investing in social housing, harm reduction services, and mental health support would relieve the strain on provincial healthcare.
SUMA also believes the Saskatchewan Income Support Program (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Program need improvements to help support the basic cost of living for people rather than contributing to evictions across the province.
“We must stop treating mental health, addictions, and housing insecurity as moral problems or individual failures. These are health and social crises that can be experienced by anyone under the wrong circumstances. Those who are suffering deserve dignity, and we can show our respect by seeing to their most basic needs," said Goulden.
SUMA says it will continue to fight for better mental health and addiction support, wanting to see real change for those who suffer the most.
