Hundreds protest Lighthouse funding cuts in Saskatoon

A large rally was staged against the provincial government’s cuts to The Lighthouse in Saskatoon Saturday afternoon.

“We come through 10 years of good times and now when times get tough, we attack the most vulnerable in our society,” said an emotional Patrice Kelly, who was one of hundreds at the rally.

Through the streets of downtown Saskatoon, people chanted “Wall says cut back, we say fight back,” and “hey! Ho! The cuts have got to go.”

“I know people who have gotten sick, I know people who have frozen to death and it’s a real possibility these cuts will put people in danger,” said organizer Peter Garden.

Protestors took over 2nd Avenue and 22nd Street, carrying signs reading “basic needs are not for profit,” and “marching in the streets not sleeping in the street.” The rally took place without clearance beforehand from Saskatoon police.

“We need to keep people off the streets,” said attendee Shawn Finnigan.

The Lighthouse rally has taken over 2nd avenue in downtown Saskatoon #yxe pic.twitter.com/DuTDm8jEn8

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) October 22, 2016

The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. exists to provide emergency shelter, supported living and affordable housing to those in need in Saskatoon.

“These cuts are cold and they’re literally leaving people out in the cold,” said Trent Wotherspoon, leader of the Sask. NDP.

“It’s devastating to a community and the suggestion this will save money is nonsense.”

Lighthouse rally is done blocking streets in downtown #yxe pic.twitter.com/HwV6uo3mAA

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) October 22, 2016

When the province cut funding on Sept. 28, they said a  review found only five people who used the stabilization unit over the last year went on to make the transition to stable housing.
 
At the time, the government issued a statement saying, “After careful review of the results of the evaluation undertaken by the Ministries of Social Services, Health and Justice along with the Saskatoon Health Region, the government has concluded that the Lighthouse does not serve enough eligible clients to cover the cost of operating the stabilization unit in Saskatoon.”

The Lighthouse rally has posted a message to the provincial cabinet office to @SaskParty and @PremierBradWall to stop cuts #yxe pic.twitter.com/LajlPRMzn2

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) October 22, 2016