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The Saskatchewan NDP is sounding the alarm over Sask. Party’s wildfire spending, stating millions of taxpayer dollars could have been wasted.
Coulson Aircrane filed a lawsuit against the province for its $187 million contract for four firefighting aircrafts with Conair, calling the deal unfair and unreasonable.
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The claim, filed last month, stated the Conair deal “grossly” and “substantially” overpaid for the aircrafts by $100 million.
Coulson Aircrane is calling for the court to quash the province’s purchase and for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) to reconsider the decision in accordance with the law.
On Friday, NDP Northern Affairs Critic Jordan McPhail said he was “outraged” on behalf of northern Saskatchewan residents who were evacuated while wildfires threatened their communities.
He said the money could have been used to protect homes and people, as well as improve emergency responses to wildfires.
McPhail said the court application alleges that, “the SPSA deliberately structured its procurement process to favour Conair’s planes, effectively shutting out all competitors.”
“The company further alleges that Saskatchewan taxpayers overpaid by as much as $100 million compared to what Coulson says it would have charged for a comparable aircraft,” he said.
McPhail said he has written to the provincial auditor calling for an immediate investigation into the SPSA’s acquisition of the four planes with Conair group.
“This investigation is not about politics, it’s about accountability,” he said.
“Saskatchewan taxpayers deserve answers and to learn what happened here so that we can ensure that this never happens again in the future.”
McPhail said the provincial auditor has the authority to see how the government procures goods and services. He noted it would be unfair to businesses if the allegations were proven true that policies and procedures were not followed.
He also wants to see a response from the provincial government that is open and transparent, giving Saskatchewan residents “the answers that they deserve.”
“If they’re not willing to do that, that’s why I’ve written to the provincial auditor.”
A statement from the Government of Saskatchewan said during the conducting the procurement process, the province relied on advice from an independent non-profit research and development company.
Specifications were also designed to ensure the aircraft would meet the operational needs and infrastructure requirements of the SPSA.
“The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to a robust wildfire response that is in the best interest of Saskatchewan people,” the statement said.
“As the matter is now before the court, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
The lawsuit made its first appearance at the Court of King’s Bench in Regina on Sept. 3.
According to court documents, the provincial government’s counsel requested for the application to be dismissed, which the judge declined.
Now the province must file a certified record of proceedings, after which both sides must file applications within the courts set deadlines.
