NDP calls on province to halt use of Regina motel with 'deplorable' conditions for social services clients
CBC
The NDP Opposition put the Saskatchewan Party government on blast for continuing to put vulnerable social services clients in the Coachman Motor Inn.
The motel has come under fire for years after numerous reports of what the NDP calls "deplorable conditions," including bug infestations and drugs.
The Coachman passed its latest health inspection in August, according to Health Minister Terry Jenson. During question period at the legislature Thursday, he maintained that the motel is an appropriate place for people to stay.
"I've heard the reports, but again, that property has passed its most recent health inspection. And if there are concerns when it comes to pests, those concerns should be brought forward to public health and they can follow up," Jenson told reporters.
Meanwhile, emails obtained through a freedom of information request by the NDP show that officials in the Ministry of Social Services recommended the Sask. Party cease using the Coachman as early as July 2024.
"This is a hotel that I think all of us in this city, in Regina certainly, understand is not a place where most of us would put our dogs, frankly, let alone vulnerable children [and] women fleeing violence," said NDP Leader Carla Beck.
On Wednesday the province announced it's adding $20 million to the Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH) project over the next three years to boost supports for the growing number of Saskatchewan residents who are homeless. Regina will get $1.1 million from the increase.
Beck said government dollars should not be spent on putting people in the Coachman.
"Take that hotel off the list. Stop putting vulnerable people in a hotel that is infested with bugs and drugs. Show some leadership. This is just not acceptable," she said.
CBC reached out to the NDP for clarification concerning its argument that the Coachman continues to provide poor conditions for social services clients after the last health inspection.
It responded that an office manager has "conducted case work for social services clients put up in this motel who also experienced these conditions."
Some money from the new increase in PATH funding will go toward creating new emergency shelter spaces. Jenson said once those are created, they will be the prioritized space for social services clients, and the Coachman will be a backup.
The NDP has also called for the social services minister to stay at the Coachman to witness the conditions. He told reporters he has not yet visited the motel.
"If I can find some time in my schedule, I'd be more than happy to go visit," Jenson said.
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