NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter said today that the quality, availability and cost of housing across Saskatchewan have worsened since the Wall Government took power.

"Families, seniors and young professionals are struggling to find adequate housing in almost every community and we are seeing this especially in rural cities and towns. Despite the red flags and widespread media coverage on the issue, Brad Wall has failed to set meaningful targets to address the housing crisis," said Lingenfelter.

"We are calling on the Wall Government to implement a program for all of Saskatchewan that will see rental units and affordable housing constructed. Without access to safe and affordable housing, the province cannot ‘move forward' if we are leaving people behind," Lingenfelter said. "As Saskatchewan's population increases, so too does the need for more affordable housing to accommodate the growing number of people on fixed or low incomes."

Lingenfelter said the province must be very specific about the types of housing our cities and towns need. He acknowledged there are new housing developments throughout the province, but questioned if these are the solution. He also asked whether these housing developments are truly increasing access to students, families and seniors looking for affordable housing.

"Brad Wall has said many things, but his constant reneging is proving his election campaign promises are virtually worthless. Brad Wall has broken promises in health care, education, and municipal revenue sharing," he said. "After more than two years of a Sask. Party government led by Brad Wall, families are worse off. The cost of rent has sharply increased across the province and utility rates are soaring. Is this the ‘net benefit' Brad Wall is talking about?" asked Lingenfelter.

The Frontier Centre for Public Policy reported in January that Regina's housing market has gone from being the most affordable in Canada to moderately unaffordable in less than three years, and Saskatoon is considered seriously unaffordable. But Lingenfelter said the housing crisis goes beyond urban centres and has also hurt rural cities and towns experiencing population growth.

"The Wall Government cannot ignore the very serious housing shortage in this province. The people of Saskatchewan are tired of Brad Wall's broken promises and frequent announcements, because at this point that's all they are, announcements," said Lingenfelter. "Wall has taken Saskatchewan people for granted and our students, families and seniors deserve better."