Saskatchewan renews partnership with Elizabeth Fry

June 09, 2026

Media Release, Community Safety, Government of Saskatchewan

Key points from this story:

• Province invests $918,000 over two years
• $459,000 annual funding for 2026-27
• $459,000 annual funding for 2027-28
• Wikowin supportive housing in Saskatoon
• Ten-unit housing complex at Wikowin
• Staff available from 8:00 a.m. to midnight

The province will invest $918,000 over two years, providing the Elizabeth Fry Society with $459,000 in annual funding for 2026-27 and 2027-28.

"Our $918,000 investment in the Elizabeth Fry Society ensures that female offenders transitioning from custody have the supports they need to start strong, rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence in a healthy, stable environment," Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said." These supports strengthen families, help to reduce reoffending and contribute to safe and secure communities for everyone in the province."

For many female offenders, leaving custody is a moment filled with uncertainty. They may not have a safe place to live, a steady job or access to counselling. They may also struggle to reconnect with their children and loved ones. Without the proper supports in place, these challenges can become overwhelming and may lead to future returns to custody.

The Elizabeth Fry Society works directly with female offenders before and after they leave custody, so they do not have to face these challenges alone. Staff help them find housing, access mental health and addictions supports, secure employment or income assistance and find ways to rebuild their family connections. By working in and outside of Saskatchewan's female correctional facilities, Elizabeth Fry is helping these women prepare for their release and understand what supports are available to them in the community.

A central part of Elizabeth Fry's work is the Wikowin Supportive Housing project in Saskatoon. Wikowin provides safe and affordable housing for female offenders transitioning from custody. With financial support from the provincial government, Wikowin provides daily on-site support from trained staff who are available from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Up to five staff members work at the 10-unit housing complex, offering guidance, supervision and encouragement. For many of these women, Wikowin is the first stable home they have had in years, and it is a place where they can begin to rebuild their lives.

"Too often, women leave custody and are expected to navigate housing systems, health care, income assistance, addictions services, family reunification and community supervision requirements on their own," Elizabeth Fry Society Executive Director Nicole Obrigavitch said. "This investment recognizes that successful reintegration requires more than a release date. It requires consistent support, trusted relationships and practical assistance to help women overcome barriers and build stability in the community. We are grateful for the Government of Saskatchewan's continued partnership in supporting women as they work toward healing, recovery and long-term success."

The province's partnership with the Elizabeth Fry Society has evolved over the years to reflect the changing needs of female offenders leaving custody. In 2019-20, the focus was on helping women apply for and/or successfully complete reintegration leaves. In 2024-25, the agreement was revised to provide services to all women in custody to help them navigate community supports upon their release. Then, in 2025-26, funding was provided to support the operations of the Wikowin Supportive Housing project.

By investing in programs that support female offenders transitioning from custody, the Government of Saskatchewan is helping women build safer, healthier and more stable futures.