Rickford’s Decision to Close Kenora Shelter Dehumanizing Says Mamakwa
SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON – Kiiwetinoong NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa, said Minister Greg Rickford’s decision to close Kenora’s shelter without notice is wrong, and he needs to provide answers immediately as to when the city will have a shelter for people who need it now.
“Minister Rickford should have made sure that proper supports were in place for people without homes before closing the shelter in Kenora. It is dehumanizing to people who need the shelter to be thrown out into the streets like this.”
said Mamakwa.
Kenora has been without a permanent shelter since 2016, when a former shelter provider closed its program. The new shelter opened just months ago, in March 2019. Its closure will be followed by a 45-day review period, when programs at the shelter will be evaluated.
“Minister Rickford needs to provide answers about what he is doing to assist the process of opening a shelter for Kenora. Rickford must not delay until the weather becomes so cold that it threatens lives. He must provide answers now,”
said Mamakwa.
