Mayor Responds To Questions About Helping Most Vulnerable During Pandemic
By Robert Thomas
What plans does the City of Moose Jaw have to help the most vulnerable in the community was one of the topics of Thursday morning's COVID - 19 preparedness news conference.
A news conference where Mayor Fraser Tolmie reminded those listening to not forget the less fortunate at Easter by donating to Riverside Mission and/or the Moose Jaw Food Bank.
The issue was brought up in a series of media questions about what plans the City may have to protect the most vulnerable in the community - including the homeless.
And if the City was prepared, if need be, to take direct action on their own - without the Province - to save lives.
The questions were based upon Mayor Tolmie writing a letter to Premier Scott Moe on behalf of the province's big city mayors seeking additional assistance for the most vulnerable including the homeless. Mayor Tolmie chairs the Municipalties of Saskatchewan's larger cities committee.
“One of the challenges that not only we face as a municipality but the Province is facing is that the restrictions being put in place now are to help those most vulnerable. And in this situation this can create a knock on effect where others in the community can become vulnerable,” Mayor Tolmie said responding to questions from MJ Independent.
Recently homeless shelters in the province have stated they are unable to house as many people because of the need to maintain social distancing. The close quarters dormitory style sleeping accommodations of many homeless shelters do not allow for the minimum two meters between people social distancing requires.
“We are having discussions with the Province and the Ministry of Social Services. The communication line has been open and we are trying to find a way for us to partner with the Province and let them know of the challenges that are going on in our community.”
Mayor Tolmie said the intent of the letter was to raise awareness not just about what is occurring in Moose Jaw but also in Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford and Prince Albert as well.
The letter deals with four points of action:
1) increasing funding support for urban Indigenous populations;
2) approving ‘block funding’ for existing shelter services to allow clients to be separated and physically-distanced in their facilities;
3) Implementing hotel-based shelter services in collaboration with frontline agencies, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the Provincial Government;
4) resolving confusion about reporting processes, wait-times, available resources, and options for alternate hotel accommodations and costs.
Asked if the City could potentially use presently empty facilities such as Mosaic Place, Yara Centre and the Kinsmen Centre, because beds could be moved in, they have shower and commercial kitchen facilities, to temporarily house the homeless and save lives Mayor Tolmie responded “those are great suggestions.”
The City is presently having discussions with the Ministries of Health and Social Services as they have oversight on the issue.
At present there is an on-line petition asking Premier Moe to answer the call for action to provide assistance to the most vulnerable.