Latest news with #SAID
CTV News
14 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Saskatchewan exempts Canada Disability Benefit from income assistance programs
The SAID program provides long-term income support and services to those with disabilities. (Pexels) The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that the Canada Disability Benefit will be exempt from its core income assistance programs. This means that people with disabilities can receive up to $200 per month in additional federal income without affecting their provincial income assistance benefits. Social Services Minister Terry Jenson says this will put more money in the pockets of Saskatchewan income assistance clients. 'Our government is committed to supporting people with disabilities, and we brought our Saskatchewan perspective to collaborations with the Government of Canada on this new program,' Jenson said in a news release. The province says as part of the 2025-26 budget, Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) benefits have increased by two per cent. The SAID program provides long-term income support and services to those with disabilities. SAID benefits include a living income benefit, disability income benefit, and exceptional need income benefit, varying depending on individual needs. As of April 1, 2025, annual earned income exemptions have been updated to $7,500 for singles, $8,700 for couples, and $9,500 for families
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sask. Opposition trumpets report criticizing social assistance programs
Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP says the provincial government needs to rethink its Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) program after a new report found that some users feel the service failed to meet their basic needs. "We need to fix SIS urgently," said NDP social services critic Brent Blakley at a news conference Tuesday. For the report, the Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership spoke with 35 users of the SIS or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) programs, along with 55 community service providers who often work with people using these programs. The survey found "widespread dissatisfaction and significant gaps in meeting basic needs," according to the report. Many of the people reported that the benefits these programs provide are not adequate to support basic needs, such as rent for housing, food and utilities. Many also pointed to a concern over financial pressures placed on income support clients. The chief issue raised was a call for the province to reinstate direct payments for rent and utilities to landlords and utility companies, an issue that has been raised continuously since the change away from that system, according to the report. "The SIS program, designed to help people in crisis is now pushing them over the edge. We've heard from shelters, from housing workers, from community agencies they move away from direct payment has failed," Blakely said. In a statement, Social Services Minister Terry Jenson defended the government's changes to the SIS program. Jenson said the ministry does directly pay rent and utilities, "for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) clients who require it." He also noted that the SIS monthly benefit has increased four years in a row, with the most recent increase if two per cent coming into effect in May as part of the most recent provincial budget. Critics have said that increase is not nearly enough to assist those living on the edge of poverty. Homelessness in Saskatoon The NDP also drew a line between support for those in poverty and the growing number of homeless people in Saskatoon. The latest point-in-time count in the city found that on a particular day in 2024, there were 1,499 people experiencing homelessness. That's nearly nearly triple the number reported in 2022. "This isn't just a number. These are people, families, seniors, youth sleeping in cars, in tents or on the street and this didn't happen overnight. It's the direct result of government choices," said NDP housing critic April ChiefCalf. ChiefCalf said the province has allowed housing costs to rapidly increase while refusing to fix vacant housing units owned by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. That's left thousands of units across the province damaged and empty, Chiefcalf said. A report by the provincial auditor released last year found the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation owned approximately 3,000 units in Regina. The report said that of the 534 units vacant in the province's capital, 364 were out of service and needing repair. At that same time, 404 households were waiting for social housing units. Minister Jenson said this year's provincial budget will begin to address the issue of provincial-owned housing, with $9.2 million in spending going to multi-year repair and renovation projects to 285 Saskatchewan Housing Corporation units, including 44 units at Westview Place in Saskatoon.
Web Release
06-05-2025
- Health
- Web Release
LAU Medical Centers Join SAID NGO's Walkathon to Raise Awareness on Colon and Bowel Cancer
By Editor_wr On May 6, 2025 The Lebanese American University Medical Centers Rizk Hospital and Saint John's Hospital proudly participated in the annual walkathon organized by SAID NGO, dedicated to raising awareness about colon and bowel cancer. This year's walkathon, held under the impactful theme 'March into April,' took place on April 27. Aligning with Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March and Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April, its purpose is to highlight and educate the community on the importance of early detection. As part of their ongoing commitment to public health, LAU Medical Centers deployed two fully equipped mobile clinics, one stationed at the starting point and the other at the finish line. These mobile clinics provided on-site medical assistance, including minor suturing services for participants in need of first aid. To further engage the public, the mobile clinics hosted interactive games and educational activities designed to spread awareness about colon and bowel cancer. Participants took part in themed giveaways and had the chance to win one of three complimentary colon cancer screening procedures. This initiative highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection. Adding to the day's impact, Dr. Majd Roustom, Clinical Instructor of Gastroenterology at LAU Medical Center, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about colon cancer, early detection, and preventive care. His remarks served to educate and empower attendees, reinforcing the vital role that regular screenings and proactive healthcare play in saving lives. LAU Medical Centers remain dedicated to healing with compassion by providing community-focused healthcare and empowering individuals with the knowledge to take charge of their well-being. Comments are closed.
