REGINA — Confusion and controversy continue to swirl over Premier Scott Moe’s media availability in Moose Jaw on Wednesday.
The news conference came about after meetings involving Moe, Moose Jaw-area MLAs, and local officials including Mayor James Murdock. At the media availability, Murdock told reporters that the Ministry of Social Services had communicated to them that “effective immediately” the Willow Lodge homeless shelter was being relocated out of downtown Moose Jaw to another area of the community.
Murdock referred to the move of the shelter as a “directive from the ministry.” The indication from Murdock and Alex Carleton, chair of the Downtown Moose Jaw Association, was also that they only learned about the move from the government that morning.
The Official Opposition pounced soon afterwards. A news release was issued by the NDP which characterized Moe and the Moose Jaw MLAs as having held “a trainwreck of a press conference” in that city.
Thursday at the legislature, NDP critic for Social Services Brent Blakley further characterized the media availability as “one of the most pathetic and embarrassing things I've seen in a while.”
“We're in a housing crisis right across Saskatchewan. The number of homeless people in Moose Jaw has doubled in 2024 and 2023. It's doubled. And here we have a Premier, a Minister (Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod), and an MLA (Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Megan Patterson) that claim to represent Moose Jaw when they clearly have other priorities. It was announced yesterday that the province plans to move the city's shelter, but clearly no one bothered to tell the mayor, the Downtown Association, or anyone else in Moose Jaw for that matter. It makes you wonder just where this government puts its priorities. Certainly the people of Moose Jaw are not among them. The Premier embarrassed himself yesterday. He disrespected the city council, key stakeholders in the city, and laid bare to just how little he's in control after 18 years of Sask Party failure and mismanagement."
Blakley then pointed out “this debacle wasn't over.” He pointed to a government statement issued later that day that he characterized as “attempting to backtrack on Moe's claims about the shelter.”
In that statement from the Ministry of Social Services, they said they had “not provided a directive to relocate the shelter" and that they are "continuing to engage with both the city and community partners. Municipal governments are responsible for identifying suitable locations for emergency shelters within their communities.”
The government statement also said the 15-person shelter continues to operate.
“Today, they've offered no further clarification,” said Blakley. “24 hours later, and these guys can't get their story straight. The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. And we expect them to address the homeless crisis? Really?”
In speaking to reporters, Blakley said he wanted to see more consultation happen with stakeholders.
“Well, I think it's important to consult all stakeholders in a decision like this. From what I've heard, they weren't even told by the government — they were told by a reporter that this was happening, so it was kind of news to them. But again, I think it's important that all stakeholders, all entities that are affected, be consulted, from the city, stakeholders, and such.”
As for what he thought should happen with the shelter in downtown Moose Jaw, Blakley said that no matter where it goes, “there has to be a clear plan.”
“The government doesn't know from one in the morning or the afternoon, whether it's moving the shelter, whether it's not, whose responsibility it is. They don't seem to be on the same page with us. So wherever it goes, I think it needs to be in consultation with the mayor, the city, the downtown association, plus the other stakeholders.”
In response to the latest NDP remarks, the Ministry of Social Services offered this statement:
“The Ministry of Social Services has been engaged in ongoing conversations regarding homelessness services and community needs with the City of Moose Jaw and community partners since the temporary shelter location first opened in January 2024.
“While no formal directive to relocate the emergency shelter has been provided by the Ministry of Social Services, these discussions have included community concerns about the current location and potential options for a new location.
“As conversations continue regarding how we work together to find the right location that meets community needs, the 15-space temporary emergency shelter will continue to operate in Moose Jaw.
“It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the municipality to identify suitable locations for emergency shelters within their communities, and we are committed to working with the City of Moose Jaw to find a new location that meets the needs of the community and delivers much needed services to individuals experiencing homelessness.”
– With files from Jason Antonio
