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The Saskatchewan NDP says a recent report reviewing last year’s provincial wildfire response paints a troubling picture on how the crisis was handled.
The review conducted by accounting firm MNP and made public on Friday highlighted “significant gaps” in Saskatchewan’s wildfire emergency preparedness, mitigation and prevention efforts made by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA).
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Outside of Saskatoon’s cabinet office on Friday, NDP’s community safety critic Hugh Gordon called the report “damning.”
“The executive summary doesn’t have a lot of nice things to say about how this government planned, prepared and executed its strategy to fight the wildfires in the north,” he told reporters.
Gordon said the NDP had a number of questions before the report’s release about the government’s ability to fight wildfires, procure equipment and mitigation measures.
He said questions and concerns from the Opposition remain around the province’s rebuilding efforts, communication issues and aid that was provided to evacuees.
“I can assure the people of the north and the people of this province that the official opposition are going to continue to hold this government to account on this wildfire strategy,” Gordon said.
“We’re going to continue to ask tough questions of the minister and of Scott Moe and the Sask. Party government.”
Dustin Trumbley sits in an empty hole where is house once sat in Denare Beach. (Dustin Trumbley/Submitted to PA Now)
Denare Beach resident Dustin Trumbley said the report shows the “clear negligence” of the SPSA, and that trust has been broken in northern communities affected by the wildfires.
Last year, Trumbley said he and his fiancée lost their home, garage and boats to the wildfires.
“We had a wedding planned for that summer,” he said. “We lost all our wedding decorations that are all custom built and custom ordered.”
Trumbley said after the fires, he returned home to nothing but ash and metal.
He also recalled driving back through his community and said he won’t forget some of “the biggest, toughest miners” he’s ever seen “drop to their knees in tears.”
“It will haunt me forever,” Trumbley said.
MNP’s review made 11 recommendations which included the full review of the SPSA’s structure, improved integration and co-ordination between the agency and communities, and stronger emergency management co-ordination.
Gordon said the NDP will ensure the recommendations will be addressed by the province.
“A lot of work needs to be done and we’re going to make sure we hold them to account on that front.,” Gordon said.
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