Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry

05/04/2026

02/25/2026

“Despite having some of the worst poverty indicators in the country, the provincial government has not really made an attempt to seriously address the issue for more than a decade. In 2016, the government released their one and only attempt at a poverty reduction strategy. That plan—which was widely criticized as being inadequate by its own advisory group members—at least made the promise to reduce “enduring poverty (lasting two years or longer) by 50 per cent by 2025.”

It is probably best for the government that this promise has largely been forgotten, because as we approach 10 years since that promise was made, poverty in Saskatchewan—and in particular child poverty—not only growing, but deepening.

Over 78,000 children under the age of 18 in Saskatchewan were in poverty in 2023, a child poverty rate of 27.1 per cent. This is well above Canada’s national child poverty rate of 18.3 percent and is the highest child poverty rate of all the provinces.

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Compounding these rather bleak statistics is the depth of poverty in our province—a term which refers to how far below the poverty line a family’s income falls in relation to the after-tax low-income measure (LIM). It is often referred to as the ‘low-income’ or ‘poverty gap.’ Saskatchewan low-income families have the largest poverty gaps of all the provinces, with only Nunavut and the NorthWest Territories recording larger poverty gaps in certain economic families.

Within Saskatchewan, child poverty rates can vary dramatically depending on location. If we view poverty rates by economic region within the province we can see major disparities, particularly between urban versus more rural and northern areas of the province. Indeed, northern areas of the province are subject to enduringly high levels of poverty for children under 18, with rates over 60 per cent.

Child Poverty by Economic Region
Child Poverty RateOverall Poverty Rate
North

62

50.1
Prince Albert

35.4

24.5
Yorkton-Melville

22.6

18.9
Saskatoon-Biggar

22.4

17.4
Regina-Moose Mountain

21.7

16.9
Swift Current - Moose Jaw

19.6

16
Get the dataCreated with Datawrapper
Government transfers in the form of child tax benefits, tax credits, and social assistance were important in helping to reduce poverty in the province. For Saskatchewan in 2023, the child poverty rate of 27.1 per cent would have been 39.2 per cent without these federal and provincial government transfers. Despite arguments that employment alone is the best route out of poverty, Saskatchewan’s child poverty rate of 27.1 percent would be more than 10 points higher (37.5 per cent) were Saskatchewan families to rely on market income alone. Even with employment earnings, many families are still below the poverty line, with government transfers an essential source of income.

We know that government transfers to low-income families can make all the difference. Saskatchewan should seriously consider adopting some of what other provinces are doing to address poverty. This could include creating a supplementary provincial child benefit, indexing social assistance rates to inflation and introducing a provincial sales tax rebate. Affordability for low-income families could also be addressed by seriously considering a limit on annual rent increases and ensuring wider accessibility of $10 per day childcare.

The Saskatchewan government’s long record of neglect has left us with some of the worst economic outcomes for children in the country. This makes it all the more incumbent on this government to make child poverty in Saskatchewan a far greater priority. We need a much more concerted effort by the Saskatchewan government to combat the deleterious effects poverty will have on the next generation of our province’s children if it is continued to be ignored.

The Saskatchewan government’s long record of neglect has left it with some of the worst economic outcomes for children in the country.

02/05/2026

“I’m very concerned that this is just going to be another sweeping attempt to take away necessary special needs at a time that we really need to be re-investing and enhancing the program,” said Peter Gilmer, with the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry.

“The reality is that the majority of people on the SAID program are going without meeting the most basic needs as it is — they’re not just living in poverty, they’re living well below the deep poverty or basic needs poverty level,” he explained.

The program is meant to provide income to people who have a significant and enduring disability who aren’t expected to be able to make enough money through work to sustain themselves.

According to a news release from Terry Jenson, Saskatchewan’s social services minister, clients and partners have said the program is too complicated.

“This complexity makes it difficult for clients to know what they are eligible for, and limits ministry flexibility to adapt to individual circumstances that also slows down support for clients.

“Changes beginning April 1, 2026, will better address client needs and support them to receive all the benefits they are eligible for in the simplest and quickest way possible,” the release said.

Legislative changes to the program have been made through an Order in Council from Jenson’s office.

Benefit and exemption changes
Some of the benefits which had paid out the actual cost of expenses, including for service animals, are being changed to a flat-rate benefit. The province said people who had been getting more than the new flat-rate will continue to get the same amount.

Gilmer said advocates have always felt the best coverage for things is the actual cost.

“There are circumstances which suggest that people need to have the actual cost covered, otherwise they’re going into significant debt or they’re going without,” said Gilmer.

He pointed to the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program, which stopped paying for utilities separately and required the cost be taken out of a shelter benefit, which Gilmer said is already inadequate.

The SAID changes also remove benefits the ministry said were outdated, not being used by clients, or are being provided by other programs.

The ministry will increase the money people can have in the bank and still apply for the SAID program — up $500 to $2,000 from the previous $1,500 per member of the household. It’s also planning to increase the same SIS exemption by $500.

Gilmer said increases to any exemption in these programs is welcomed, but $500 isn’t enough. He said there had been discussions about a significant boost to the asset exemption across the board.

“Certainly those discussions were not about just an additional $500 for people coming on the program, it was about allowing people to have some backfill when crises arrive,” he explained.

They also combine specific policies into broader categories. This includes replacing a number of employment-related benefits with one larger Employment and Training Benefit, and combining a number of benefits around things like furniture needs and garbage removal into the Household Health and Safety Benefit.

Gilmer said the government calling them “broader categories” was confusing to him, saying there are two ways to make sure people’s most basic needs are met: either include special needs programming that fully covers people’s needs, or have a benefit level high enough to give people a livable income.

He said people on the SAID program right now are thousands of dollars a year below what it would take to meet their most basic needs.

Program of last resort
Gilmer noted the province is now using the phrase “program of last resort” in its messaging and is including it in the legislation. He said when the program was created in 2012 it wasn’t intended to be another income-tested welfare program.

“It was deemed to have implications of income recovery or income replacement for people who were not in the workforce due to disability, and it was really supposed to be a sensitive program that took people’s individualized needs into consideration,” he said.

Gilmer said using terms like “program of last resort” indicates the province is moving away from an income replacement program into a means-tested welfare program.

The provincial government and various ministers of social services have frequently used “program of last resort” terminology when talking about the SIS program

Still more changes
According to the ministry, these changes are part of a review it did on the SAID program in 2025.

Gilmer said he and the ministry have been “swamped” trying to help clients over the past several months navigate the changes made through that review in areas where he said the ministry believes it’s been overpaying.

“Everything from phone coverage for people in care homes, to expecting that one of the last locked-in pensions that had been exempted is now being deemed to be income, to forcing people on supplemental special diets to have to pay out of their own pocket up front,” he said.

Gilmer believes the provincial government is just trying to save itself some money with cuts to the program.

“This is the absolute worst place for the Government of Saskatchewan to be looking at saving money, because it’s a place where we’re already seeing massive under-funding in terms of both the benefits and needs coverage that people with significant and enduring disabilities are receiving,” he said.

However, the Ministry of Social Service said in a news release that the changes set to come into effect on April 1 will be cost-neutral.

Gilmer said he’s very concerned about the changes and, while he wants to get clear on what changes are taking place, he has no doubt he and others will be challenging them and continuing the fight with the provincial government.

12/18/2025

After a two year process of education, reflection and action The Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry has been approved and today voted unanimously to become an Affirming Ministry.

12/18/2025

For many seniors in Regina, cooking isn’t easy. Mobility challenges, fixed incomes, and limited transportation make getting nutritious meals a daily struggle.

That’s why REACH offers ready-to-heat frozen meals that are healthy, affordable, and delivered right to the door. In 2024, we delivered 11,321 meals to seniors and others who rely on this support.

These meals help take one daily stress off the plate.

If you can, please help us keep this program strong.
Your support helps more seniors eat well, stay independent, and remain in their own homes.

👉 Support seniors here: https://www.reachinregina.ca/get-involved/donate

12/15/2025

“If you're in Regina (especially North Central) and facing food insecurity, there are several community spots offering free or low-cost meals, snacks, breakfasts, and groceries.

This list is based on a community resource guide from the mâmawêyatitân centre area, which highlights local supports like drop-ins, churches, and outreach programs.

Important note: This info comes from an older printed guide, and hours/services can change (especially around holidays).

Always call ahead to confirm, or check updated resources like 211 Saskatchewan (dial 211 or sk.211.ca), the Regina Food Bank (306-791-6533), or the Regina Police Community Resources page for the latest details. No one should go hungry—reach out if you need help!

**Morning Toast/Coffee & Breakfast:**

- All Nations Hope Network: 2735 5th Ave, 924-8424 – Mon-Fri, 9 am
- Indigenous Christian Fellowship: 3131 Dewdney Ave, 359-1096 – Tues, Wed & Fri, 10 am; Free Breakfast Sat, 10-11 am
- Newo Yotina Friendship Centre: 1635 11th Ave, 525-5042 – Mon-Fri, 9 am

**Free Lunches:**

- All Nations Hope Network: 2735 5th Ave, 924-8424 – Mon-Fri, 1 pm
- Carmichael Outreach: 1510 12th Ave, 757-2235 – Mon-Fri, 12:30 pm
- Chili for Children (mâmawêyatitân centre): 3355 6th Ave, 359-7919 – Thursdays, noon-1 pm
- Circle Project: 3435 5th Ave, 347-7515 – Mon-Fri, 11 am-1 pm (earlier OK for kids)
- Heritage Community Association: 1770 Halifax St, 757-9952 – Sundays, 12-3 pm
- Indigenous Christian Fellowship: 3131 Dewdney Ave, 359-1096 – Wednesdays, noon

**Free Supper:**

- Newo Yotina Friendship Centre: 1635 11th Ave, 525-5042 – Mon-Fri, 3:30 pm
- Souls Harbour Rescue Mission: 1632 Angus St, 543-0011 – Mon-Fri, 4-6 pm
- Rainbow Youth Centre: 977 McTavish Street, 757-9743 – Tuesdays

**Emergency Shelter Meals (16-18 year-olds only):**

- Tuhk Sih Nowin Youth Emergency Shelter: 1314 11th Ave – 24/7 for bag lunch

**Free/Low-Cost Snacks & Groceries:**

- Guru Nanak Free Kitchen: Dewdney and Angus St, 639-571-0900 – Free groceries Sun, 12:30-3 pm
- Carmichael Outreach: 1510 12th Ave, 757-2235 – Snacks in AM and PM (not during lunch), Mon-Fri
- Food 4 Life Store, All Ritchie Heritage Community Health Centre: 1550 14th Ave, 766-6320 – Inexpensive groceries, Mon-Fri, see Facebook for hours/menu/prices
- Mosaic Pantry, All Ritchie Community Association: 2250 Lindsay St, 352-3390 – Free food, Mon-Fri, 10 am-2 pm
- Regina Food Bank: 425 Winnipeg Street, 791-6533
- Salvation Army – Haven of Hope: 2240 13th Ave, 757-4600

**Free Bread:**

- All Ritchie Heritage Community Health Centre: 1550 14th Ave, 766-6320 – Tues/Thurs after 9 am
- APSS: 1325 Albert St, Regina, 924-8420 – Tues/Thurs (lunches when available depending on funding)
- Chili for Children (mâmawêyatitân centre): 3355 6th Ave, 359-7919 – Mon-Fri, 12:30 pm

**Community Fridges – Take What You Need:**
- 3037 Dewdney Avenue
- 1510 12th Avenue

Hours and services may change—call ahead! If no food at home, contact Social Assistance support or Mobile Crisis: 306-757-0127 (after hours). 💙

12/12/2025

Statement from Child Care Now on renewed Saskatchewan child care agreement and what it means for building a high quality universally accessible system of child care. Read it here: https://childcarenow.ca/2025/12/09/renewed-saskatchewan-child-care-agreement-paves-way-for-accelerated-expansion-of-for-profit-child-care/

12/12/2025

“Community organizers are advocating for more social housing as more than a dozen units are set to be demolished in North Central Regina.

Numerous people gathered in front of the Wascana Street Complex on Thursday, sharing their concerns about 400 social housing units being vacant in the city.

“I’m fortunate enough to have a home and everything, but a lot of my cousins, a lot of my family, a lot of the people living on the street that are my relatives, they don’t have that,” Joseph Klyne, a mentor for the non-profit organization Growing Young Movers, said tearfully.

Located between Wascana Street and 5th Avenue, the complex consists of 24 units and is managed by the Regina Housing Authority – a social housing program.

The Government of Saskatchewan said a portion of the building was torn down in 2024 after fire damage. Following an inspection, the remaining 15 units were deemed unsafe and has now been slated for demolition.

“We will explore options to revitalize the site to better serve housing needs in the community,” read a statement by the Ministry of Social Services.

Mandla Mthembu, one of the various community organizers, said the provincial government should be providing more social housing options that is currently available.

“We need a commitment from the government to repair, to upkeep, to maintain social housing units so that it’s always available for those need,” Mthembu said.

Advocates are calling for government support as a social housing complex sits empty in North Central Regina. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News)
“In the past, we’ve had federal and provincial acts that built a certain of social housing that made it adequate, had social housing that was kind of on the rate of the population here in the province. We don’t have that commitment.”

With the weather becoming colder, Peter Gilmer, an advocate from the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry, said it is dangerous for those who are unhoused.

“All levels of government should make this a priority. However, the provincial government in particular right now has an obligation,” he said.

“Saskatchewan Housing [Corporation] units fall under Saskatchewan government jurisdiction, and they need to be doing a better job to make sure that we’ve got the upkeep necessary to get people into these units as quickly as possible.”

The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation provides housing to low income families across the province.

In a statement to CTV News, the Ministry of Social Services said it has launched two initiatives focused on revitalizing Regina’s North Central Regina neighbourhood, which include a flat rent rate program and an affordable rent-to-own program.

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“The flat rent rate program provides greater flexibility to serve a wider range of households in need of affordable housing such as couples with extended family or other dependents, and grandparents with grandchildren who are dependents,” read the statement.

“In September 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan, City of Regina, and Silver Sage signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an affordable rent-to-own program. Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is transferring up to 10 provincially owned family units to Silver Sage to administer the program.”

In addition, the province said a total of $88 million from the 2025-26 budget will go towards ensuring provincially owned‑rent ready units are available across the province.

From that, $9.2 million in new funding is planned to repair and renovate 285 multi-year housing units, including 154 in Regina.

The remaining $1.5 million is planned to begin developing 165 housing units in Regina.”

12/11/2025

"We refuse to sit back another winter while our neighbours freeze and social housing units remain empty - we need housing! The Wascana Street Complex is one of over 5,000 units across the province and over 400 here in Regina. Join us from 12 - 1pm for a press conference to hear from core community members about the housing crisis. All folks who believe it is not ok for social homes to remain vacant are welcome! Free soup & hot chocolate 🥣