Member Statement (20 November 2025)

From Hansard (20 November 2025)

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Moose Jaw Recovery Program Helps Keep Downtown Clean

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the coordinator of the Moose Jaw Downtown Association, Shannon Simpson, who I introduced earlier, runs a very special program that is partially funded by the city of Moose Jaw. That program is called Helping Hands. This program provides individuals in recovery with the opportunity to contribute by keeping our downtown Moose Jaw streets clean from garbage or anything else our prairie winds have blown in that shouldn’t be there.

Workers are provided an honorarium for their effort. The benefits are beyond financial, though. Workers are expected to be accountable and given a sense of purpose. This sense of purpose supports their recovery and gives them hope for their future. The city and our downtown businesses also benefit, as many tourists have commented on just how clean our city is. And this gives tourists the best possible impression of our notorious city and keeps them coming back.

The results of this program are outstanding. This program has led to 70 per cent of the workers obtaining full-time employment and allowing them to transition off of social supports.

I want to thank Shannon, the city of Moose Jaw, and the Downtown Moose Jaw Association for their commitment to ensuring our historic downtown thrives while enabling those in recovery to take steps toward living the life they aspire to. Thank you.

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