Sask. government, opposition spar over housing program

A provincial housing program did little for low-income families and caused a glut of overpriced homes on the market, according to Saskatchewan NDP MLA Cathy Sproule.

In thelegislature Thursday, Sproulesaidthe government'sHeadstarton a Home program gave builders millions in subsidies, but didn't lead to nearly enough affordable housing units.

She saidthe market was flooded with averaged-priced homes out of reach for those on low incomes. She saidit also flooded the market with housing stock, contributing the the current slowdown in construction.

"They've made our housing market much, much worse due to oversupply," Sproule said

Crown Investments Corporation Minister Minister Joe Hargrave saidhe's proud of the program. He saidit created hundreds of construction jobs. He says it helped to alleviate the acute housing shortage across the province.

"We're very proud of what we've done," he said. "It's been good for the people of Saskatchewan."