(Libby Giesbrecht/650 CKOM file photo)
Services will be moved from Lighthouse, an assisted living shelter in downtown Saskatoon that has been the source of much criticism and controversy, according to Saskatchewan’s social services minister.
Minister Jean Makowski joined John Gormley on Thursday morning to discuss the issues surrounding the lighthouse and made the surprise announcement.
“I started to worry about the model they have at Lighthouse, with so many services concentrated in one area in downtown Saskatoon,” Makowski said.
“For these reasons, what I and the government have decided to do is to move these services out of Lighthouse.”
Makowski said Lighthouse has been notified of the province’s decision but has yet to offer any response. Meanwhile, Makowski said the government has been in talks with Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Marc Arcand, who initiated the creation of a new shelter and wellness centre.
This shelter has a better model than Farah, Makowski said, which is indigenous-led and culturally appropriate.
“We appreciate it stepping up,” Makowski said.
No firm timetable has been set for moving services out of Lighthouse, the minister said, stressing the need for a “timely transition” that would involve both social services and the Department of Health.
Makowski said his “number one priority” is the vulnerable population that relies on these services.
“The people, our fellow citizens, who receive services at Lighthouse will continue to receive those services,” he said. “It’s just going to be somewhere else.”
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