Press Release
March 7, 2024 – Treaty 6 Territory & Heartland of the Métis, Saskatoon, SK – A two-day housing and homelessness gathering to ‘Address Systemic Barriers’ in has wrapped up in Saskatoon.
More than 300 people, from government and industry partners to Métis citizens and service providers, gathered to build on the momentum generated during the inaugural 2023 ‘Building Community – Saskatchewan Housing and Homelessness Conference”.
MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “It’s great to see how far we’ve come in developing partnerships outside our government. We must continue working together with all stakeholders of our province to lift the barriers associated with homelessness. Action discovers the root of the problem. With the proper representatives, focus, collaboration of services and agencies we will come up with real distinct solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our citizens. The cooperative spirit of the conference indicates we have a good network of partners that would support an overall plan moving forward.”
Keynote speakers provided interesting perspectives during the conference, but it was our Métis citizens who bravely shared their personal experiences that gave the audience real insight into the issues they face and a clearer understanding of what might help them overcome the obstacles.
“Last year was the first time we brought all the interested parties together to start the conversation,” said Infrastructure and Housing Minister Loretta King. “The purpose of this year’s conference was to dig deeper into the barriers facing our citizens experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Over the course of the two-days, we collectively came up with unique ideas that have the potential to lead to real solutions to the housing crisis in all regions of the province.”
Each Saskatchewan community has its own exceptional needs. On top of continuing to work with outside agencies, the MN–S Infrastructure and Housing team will establish interministerial cooperation to follow up with citizens, partners
and community leaders to determine the feasibility and financial responsibility of putting words into action.
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About Métis Nation–Saskatchewan:
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is built on a foundation of Métis identity, culture, values, and language. Empowered by the Métis within Saskatchewan, MN–S works to advance Métis rights and strengthen capacity. MN–S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural, and educational interests of the Métis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional, and provincial levels. Social media Links: @MNSask, @metisnationsask
For media inquiries:
Rena Montgomerie – MN–S Senior Communications Officer
r.montgomerie@mns.work or 306-250-1092
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