The Moose Jaw Express published a Letter to the Editor on Oct. 25 in which Moose Jaw Housing Authority resident Kayla Anderson claimed the unit she moved into in July is infested with cockroaches and mice.
Letter to the Editor: Urgent Issue — Bugs and Moose Jaw Housing Authority - MooseJawToday.com
The Express reached out to the housing authority for comment on the subject and received a statement from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. An independent statement from the Moose Jaw Housing Authority (MJHA) was not given.
Jordan Soggie, Tenant Services manager with the Moose Jaw Housing Authority, explained in an email that media inquiries are handled by the provincial Ministry of Social Services (MSS). This is because the MJHA acts as an arm of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — not as a separate agency.
Jamie Toth, MSS manager of External Communications, confirmed Soggie’s statement:
“The local housing authorities, including the Moose Jaw Housing Authority, manage and maintain social housing units on behalf of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation,” Toth said.
Accordingly, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation speaks for both organizations.
The statement on behalf of Roger Parenteau, executive director of Housing Operations with the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, reads in full:
Health and safety is a priority for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and they work closely with all housing authorities in our province to assist with concerns a tenant may experience.
Moose Jaw Housing Authority works with pest control contractors to ensure units are inspected and are pest free prior to any move ins or transfers. Units are also inspected on a quarterly basis after move ins. Moose Jaw Housing Authority works with pest control contractors to ensure all reports of pests are promptly investigated and treated. Saskatchewan Housing Corporation remains in constant contact with Moose Jaw Housing Authority to deal with tenant issues or complaints as they are reported.
