Bernadette Smith, Manitoba’s Minister of Housing, Homelessness and Addictions was in Thompson last week.

Mayor Colleen Smook shares the purpose of the visit here.

“Minister Smith just wanted to get a firsthand look at what is happening with housing, shelter services, addictions, etc. In Thompson. She toured the Well-Briety Centre, AFM and got an idea of what is happening in the North.”

Smook said the topic of affordable housing was discussed and that they shared a vision for it to be geared to minimum wage earners along with those on income assistance.

The minister was also updated on the Keewatin Tribal Council’s new Pusiko land development and the housing it’s expected to provide, and the Sobering Facility that’s slated to be added at the Well-Briety Centre in the future.

The provincial government has made commitments to end chronic homelessness in two terms.