Saskatchewan halts evictions of seniors from public housing units

The province has paused plans to move seniors into other complexes after backlash. Wayne Mantyka reports.

The Government of Saskatchewan has paused a plan that would have required some seniors to move out of public housing apartments, following widespread criticism.

Several seniors had already received written notices telling them they would need to relocate, either to designated seniors’ complexes or find housing on their own.

The policy drew sharp backlash from opposition members and tenants, who argued it unfairly targeted older residents.

“It’s a heartless policy and it makes no sense,” said NDP MLA Joan Pratchler. “Has the minister reassessed this cruel policy or will he continue to evict grandmas and grandpas out of housing simply for being senior citizens?”

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Concerns were also raised directly with Social Services Minister Terry Jenson. Two seniors recently met with him, explaining that moving would sever long-standing community ties. One had lived in government housing for 12 years, the other for 30.

Jenson has since ordered a review of the policy and confirmed the relocations are on hold.

“To examine the policies going forward, and at this time as minister I have made it known to the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and Regina Housing Authority that nobody is going to be moving right now,” he said.

The decision has come as a relief to affected tenants who are grateful the minister listened to them.

As part of the review, the province will also examine the legality of the plan.

Under current rules, private landlords are not allowed to discriminate against tenants based on age, a standard the government will now assess for its own housing policies.