Saskatchewan's provincial government is facing increasing criticism for its handling of over 11,000 wildfire evacuees from 33 northern communities, particularly regarding a lack of financial support. The provincial ombudsman is set to criticize the government's "lack of response" on Tuesday. The opposition NDP has also highlighted the issue, contrasting it with Manitoba's e-transfer system for evacuees. While some communities like Weyakwin and Pelican Narrows are reopening, 24 wildfires remain active, with six out of control, including the Shoe complex fire, which is 22 times the size of Saskatoon.
Sask. ombudsman set to criticize government’s ‘lack of response’ to wildfire evacuees
EnvironmentSaskatchewan wildfiresSaskatchewan Wildfires
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Saskatchewan's provincial government is facing increasing criticism for its handling of over 11,000 wildfire evacuees from 33 northern communities, particularly regarding a lack of financial support. The provincial ombudsman is set to criticize the government's "lack of response" on Tuesday. The opposition NDP has also highlighted the issue, contrasting it with Manitoba's e-transfer system for evacuees. While some communities like Weyakwin and Pelican Narrows are reopening, 24 wildfires remain active, with six out of control, including the Shoe complex fire, which is 22 times the size of Saskatoon.
Trending- 1 Days prior to article: Opposition NDP criticized the government.
- 2 Over the weekend: Residents of Weyakwin were given go-ahead to return home.
- 3 Monday: Saskatchewan Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod gave a briefing.
- 4 Tuesday (morning): SPSA website indicated 24 actively burning wildfires.
- 5 Tuesday: Saskatchewan’s ombudsman is set to comment.
- Increased criticism of the Saskatchewan government
- Hardship for wildfire evacuees due to lack of financial support
- Ongoing wildfires and their impact on communities
What: Saskatchewan's provincial government is facing criticism for its handling of wildfire evacuees, specifically regarding a lack of financial support. The provincial ombudsman is preparing to issue a critical statement.
When: Monday (briefing by Tim McLeod); Tuesday (ombudsman set to comment, SPSA website update); days of criticism (from NDP); over the weekend (Weyakwin residents returned).
Where: Northern Saskatchewan, Creighton, Weyakwin, Prince Albert, Pelican Narrows, McIlvenna Bay, Saskatoon.
Why: The government is accused of not providing timely financial support to evacuees for hotel and food costs, leading to complaints and comparisons with other provinces like Manitoba.
How: The ombudsman will issue a public criticism. The government points to a hotline number for support. Evacuees are expressing frustration over the lack of direct financial aid.