A large increase in homelessness in Saskatchewan communities has prompted Metis Nation-Saskatchewan to host a conference to talk about possible solutions. The conference is the first of its kind and is called Building Community- Saskatchewan Housing and Homelessness Conference.

Jason Mercredi, the Homelessness Manager at MN-S, says major homeless centres in Saskatchewan saw double digit increases. He says Saskatoon saw a 15 per cent increase and Prince Albert had a 36 per cent increase. There was a 41 per cent increase in Regina.

Mercredi says there will be many corporations and speakers from around the province in attendance, but there is one particular group whose voices must be heard.

“We have a number of people who are either at Art Hauser or are currently homeless that will be attending the conference as well and so we want to make sure their voices are heard and that they’re contributing. and so we’re making sure they’re included right from the start.”

Several corporations and organizations have partnered with MN-S to join the conversation, including the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, and the Federal Housing Advocate will be coming from Ottawa.

The conference is open to anyone and will be held at the Sheraton Cavalier Tuesday and Wednesday. Conference registration is now open, and a fee of $50 will be charged per person.