TACKLING THE CHALLENGE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING HEAD-ON

Your Saskatchewan Party government accepts report from affordable housing task force

June 5, 2008

We did what we said we would.

Our government pledged to address the affordable housing crisis, to ensure all Saskatchewan people shared in the prosperity.  Two months ago, we announced the formation of the Task Force on Housing Affordability.

The task force has released its report,  after intense and exhaustive research and consultation.  Task Force members Ted Merriman and Bob Pringle consulted with 85 individuals, groups and organizations, and accepted 53 written submissions.

Your Saskatchewan Party government has accepted the report and is now studying it.

The recommendations include:

• Increase the shelter allowance for social assistance recipients and the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement and index each to the cost of living;
• Introduce new provincial tax incentives designed to stimulate the supply of affordable housing such as, but limited to, eliminating the PST on building materials specifically used to build affordable housing;
• Amend the Residential Tenancies Act to require landlords to provide six months notice prior to a rent increase on month-to-month rental accommodations; and
• Undertake measures to strengthen the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to ensure it better represents and addresses the affordable housing needs in communities.

For the complete report, click here.