Saskatchewan election front-runners spar over issue of affordability [Video]

Provincial cabinet ministers were in Saskatoon Tuesday touting the low cost of living and its effect on the economy, with Saskatchewan currently reporting the lowest inflation rate in Canada.

“We have the second lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in Canada, that is very encouraging,” said Harpauer. “What it does, it allows us to borrow at less rates than other provinces can.”

But Saskatchewan’s two largest cities continue to grapple with housing and shelter space issues.

Opposition leader Carla Beck has been critical of government housing units sitting empty and changes to the SIS program that removed direct payment to landlords.

“I don’t want to see anyone freeze on the streets or lose their limbs on the streets like we’ve seen in recent years,” said Beck. “So short term, you need to get people off the streets. You need a longer term housing strategy.”

In Saskatoon, there’s a proposal for another homeless shelter …