PAGC Responds to Closure of Community Cares Kitchen

Press Release

(Treaty 5, 6, 8 & 10) Prince Albert, Sask. – The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) announces with deep concern the closure of PAGC Urban Services’ Community Cares Kitchen, a vital homelessness support resource that served meals two times a day to its most vulnerable members in Prince Albert. The exhaustion of COVID-related funding has led to its closure after two years of operation.

“Offered through our department of Urban Services, Moose Lodge stood as a symbol of compassion and community support. Its closure highlights an urgent and growing need to find sustainable, dignified solutions for our most marginalized community members,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of the Prince Albert Grand Council.

While meals continue to be provided by other existing agencies in the city, the immediate focus for PAGC is to collaborate with partners to ensure shelter services, particularly during severe weather conditions, with a strong resolve to create a lasting, year-round home for these vital services.

“Our commitment to those who depend on us is unwavering. We will continue to lobby the federal and provincial government and various organizations to secure both a location and a permanent facility,” said Executive Director Al Ducharme.

These issues and plans were discussed at a community meeting late last year involving top representatives from Metis Nation-Saskatchewan, City of Prince Albert, River Bank Development Corporation, Prince Albert Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, YWCA, Prince Albert Police Service, Parkland Ambulance and the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District.

“All stakeholders in our community are uniting in this crucial time. We have been and will continue to engage in regular dialogues with key community stakeholders, fully understanding the multifaceted challenges in offering consistent support. We must collaboratively create solutions that honour and uplift every individual,” said Ducharme.

PAGC has actively supported the program from the beginning but operating without stable funding for the past six months. However, the leadership will remain

unwavering in its efforts to secure a permanent solution for the community, even in the face of closure.

“This setback pains us, but it strengthens our resolve. This isn’t just about temporary measures; this is about building lasting bridges that elevates our community’s most vulnerable members. Our mission continues, and we call upon everyone to stand with us in constructing a compassionate and resilient community where everyone belongs,” said Grand Chief Hardlotte.

About Prince Albert Grand Council:

The Prince Albert Grand Council is one of the largest tribal councils in Canada with a membership of over 44,000, representing 12 First Nations and the 28 northern communities in the territories of Treaty 5, 6, 8 & 10. To learn more, visit pagc.sk.ca.

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Media enquiries may be directed to:

Tina Pelletier

Communications Consultant
Prince Albert Grand Council
Cell: 306-941-7120
Email: tpelletier@pagc.net

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