A Saskatoon city councilor is facing backlash for comments made during the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention on April 16, 2025. Ward 3 City Councilor Robert Pearce questioned Premier Scott Moe about potentially reducing the number of beds at the Fairhaven Emergency Wellness Centre and suggested replacing the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) as the shelter's service provider. During a public session attended by over 1,000 delegates, Pearce's remarks drew immediate criticism from STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, who deemed the comments "very disturbing" and out of line.
Arcand, who was not present to hear the remarks directly, learned of them shortly after through a flurry of phone calls. "My phone blew up. People were telling me what he just said, and I was concerned," he stated during a press conference. "I wasn't there to defend our name, our reputation, in front of strangers, other mayors, other councillors." Pearce's comments have sparked further division within the city council regarding the ongoing homelessness crisis, as Arcand emphasized the importance of unity in addressing such pressing issues.
The Fairhaven Emergency Wellness Centre, operated by the STC, has been in place since 2022 and currently provides 106 beds for those in need. Arcand pointed out that the shelter has efficiently served over 5,000 individuals, including 90 families, since its inception. He expressed frustration at Pearce's focus on the STC, questioning why the councilor was targeting an Indigenous-led shelter while ignoring challenges faced by other facilities in the city.
In response to Pearce's inquiries, Premier Moe indicated that he might consider reducing the number of beds but firmly stated that there were no plans to replace the STC as the operator. "We're not looking at replacing the operator," Moe told the delegates. He acknowledged the ongoing negotiations between the STC and the Ministry of Social Services for a new funding agreement that would extend through the 2025-26 winter season, which includes maintaining the current bed capacity.
Mayor Cynthia Block reached out to Arcand following the convention to express her support and apologize for Pearce's comments. "We have a crisis in our city," Block said, referencing the alarming statistic that 59 people died from January to March 2025 due to homelessness-related issues. She highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that the STC plays a vital role in addressing homelessness in Saskatoon.
Arcand reiterated the need for the city to work together in tackling the homelessness crisis, emphasizing that the STC has been a trusted partner in these efforts since 2021. "To ask for a reduction of the number of beds in our facility is kind of targeting us when we have a crisis in our community, in our city, in our province, in our country," he remarked. He urged Pearce and other city officials to focus on finding solutions rather than targeting specific service providers.
This incident is not the first time Pearce has faced criticism for his stance on the STC. He has previously blamed the shelter for an increase in crime and disturbances in the Fairhaven neighborhood, a claim that Arcand disputes. The STC chief noted that crime rates have now returned to levels seen before the shelter was established.
Earlier this year, Pearce joined homeless advocate David Fineday on a nighttime tour of Saskatoon streets, where they engaged with unhoused individuals and provided assistance. "There's a very real situation. People are going to die," Pearce said at the time, underscoring the urgency of addressing homelessness in the city. Despite his earlier advocacy, his recent comments have raised questions about his commitment to collaboration with the STC and other community partners.
As the city grapples with rising homelessness and the need for effective solutions, the dialogue surrounding the Fairhaven Emergency Wellness Centre and its operation will likely continue. With the STC and the province finalizing their service agreement, the focus remains on how best to serve those in need while fostering a cooperative approach among city officials and service providers. The call for unity and constructive dialogue is more critical than ever as Saskatoon faces this ongoing crisis.
