Province: IN BRIEF
As of July 1, more than 5,000 Saskatchewan households are receiving increased financial support through the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit (SHB), helping eligible renters better afford their shelter costs. The 2026-27 provincial budget invested $3.2 million to increase monthly benefit rates to support individuals seeking safety from interpersonal violence, people living in supportive housing and households with low to moderate incomes. The Seeking Safety from Interpersonal Violence (Seeking Safety) Stream of the SHB program is receiving the largest increase in support. Monthly flat-rate benefits have doubled to help cover rent and utilities, with benefit amounts based on household size. Under the increased rates, singles receive $450 per month, households with one dependant receive $550 per month and households with two or more dependants receive $650 per month.
Increased support helps individuals fleeing interpersonal violence to access safe housing and establish themselves independently in the rental market or in co-operative housing. Eligible new clients of the Seeking Safety Stream will also receive a one-time benefit to help them secure a new place to live independently and safely. In addition, SHB’s Supportive Housing Stream benefit has increased by 40 per cent per month, helping renters who receive supportive housing services offset rent and utility costs. Benefit amounts have increased to $315 per month for single individuals, $385 per month for households with one dependant and $455 for households with two or more dependants. Individuals living in supportive housing receive services for mental health conditions, addictions and behavioural issues, which can affect their ability to find or maintain stable housing. “Our government is helping more Saskatchewan people with low incomes afford their housing costs by increasing the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit,” stated Terry Jenson, minister of social services and minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. “These increases also strengthen housing stability for people living in supportive housing and help individuals leaving situations of interpersonal violence access safe housing as they build independent futures.”
This was echoed by Desnethé-MissinippiChurchill River MP and secretary of state for rural development Buckley Belanger. “Affordable housing changes lives,” Belanger said. “That’s why our federal government is working with Saskatchewan to help more people keep a roof over their heads, whether they’re raising a family or finding the courage to leave an unsafe situation. Through programs like the Canada Housing Benefit, we’re making real investments that help people across Saskatchewan build stronger, more secure futures in every corner of our province.” The Core Stream supports households with low to moderate incomes across the province and provides a flat-rate monthly benefit to eligible renters for their rent and utility costs. Monthly core benefit amounts have increased by 20 per cent. Singles or couples that spend between 35 and 45 per cent of their income on shelter costs receive monthly benefits ranging from $210 to $330, depending on household size. Those that spend more than 45 per cent of their income on shelter costs receive between $270 and $390 per month, depending on their household size. More than 5,000 Saskatchewan households currently receive the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit: including nearly 3,500 in the Core Stream, more than 1,300 through the Supportive Housing Stream and more than 160 through the Seeking Safety Stream. Since the program began in April 2020, more than 10,000 Saskatchewan households have received the benefit.
The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit is co-funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan under the National Housing Strategy Bilateral Agreement. Through the National Housing Strategy, the province cost-matches federal investments dollar-for-dollar for the SHB program. This includes a federal investment of $10 million for Survivors of GenderBased Violence in Saskatchewan.
Moe attends funeral
Premier Scott Moe attended the funeral of United States Senator Lindsey Graham July 28 in Washington, D.C., at the invitation of the Graham family. Premier Moe joined Government of Canada representatives and a number of international leaders paying their respects, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Senator Graham was a longstanding friend of Saskatchewan. He visited Saskatchewan on two occasions, in 2009 and 2015, including tours of SaskPower’s Boundary Dam Power Station and its carbon capture and storage facility near Estevan. Premier Moe met with Senator Graham on several occasions during his time in office. Most recently in 2025, they discussed Canada-United States trade, energy security and the importance of maintaining a strong bilateral relationship. “I want to express my sincere condolences to Senator Graham’s family, friends and colleagues on his sudden passing,” Moe said. “Senator Graham had a deep understanding of Saskatchewan and its importance to North American energy and food security. He was always gracious, thoughtful and generous in his dealings with our province.” Saskatchewan plays a key role in CanadaUnited States trade relations. The province continues to pursue a direct advocacy approach in the United States, building strong relationships with elected officials and decision-makers on both sides of the political aisle. Saskatchewan’s export-driven economy is closely tied to the U.S. market, as American consumers and industries rely on Saskatchewan-produced food, fuel, fertilizer and critical minerals.
New continuing care strategy
The Government of Saskatchewan has developed a new continuing care strategy. The goal of the strategy is to support more residents to live independently at home and in their communities for longer. Once community-based supports can no longer meet their needs, high quality and safe options continue to be available. “Developing a new Continuing Care Strategy is a significant step forward in protecting the health of our residents,” mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health minister Lori Carr said. “We will continue to ensure safe, high quality options are through community-based supports, home care services, and for residents of long-term and personal care homes.” The new continuing care strategy was developed with the help of more than 200 stakeholders representing 1,500 citizens who were invited to virtual consultation sessions in August and September of 2025. This strategy aligns with the Patients First Health Care Plan, ensuring people receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place. New funding of $9.2 million will support a rural and remote dementia program, improved home care services; enhanced inspections, oversight, quality improvements and staffing for new beds i n locations like Regina and La Ronge. The continuing care strategy will enable, empower and build partnerships among Saskatchewan communities, families and care providers.