Northern Sask. Residents Demand Action as Premier Moe Avoids Visits

UPDATE: Residents of northern Saskatchewan are voicing urgent concerns over the absence of Premier Scott Moe in fire-ravaged communities, with questions mounting after more than two months since devastating wildfires struck. During a news conference held by the province’s NDP on August 21, local residents criticized Moe for failing to visit areas like Denare Beach, East Trout Lake, and Sucker River.

While Moe met with residents of Beauval and La Loche earlier this week, critics were outraged to learn he would attend a golf tournament fundraiser for the Sask. Party near Waskesiu on Tuesday. The NDP highlighted this as a neglectful act amid ongoing recovery efforts.

In response to the criticism, the Sask. Party issued a statement that did not address questions regarding Moe’s absence from the fire-stricken areas but instead accused the NDP of dishonesty. “The lost and reckless NDP have called for the cancellation of upcoming fundraisers,” the statement read, referencing the NDP’s own golf tournaments held on June 13 and June 24.

Dustin Trumbley, a resident of Denare Beach, expressed deep frustration over the lack of support. He watched the destruction of his community via home cameras while evacuated in Swan River. “I’m not saying they could have saved it, but they could have done something better,” Trumbley lamented. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Mr. Moe’s kind of showing to me that he doesn’t care about us in the North.”

The emotional toll is significant; Trumbley and his fiancée, Joanne Churchill, had to postpone their wedding due to the wildfire’s impact. He is now grappling with the decision to rebuild, questioning the province’s wildfire response and fearing future disasters. “He needs to take accountability… to prevent this in the future,” Trumbley insisted.

The NDP MLA for Cumberland, Jordan McPhail, echoed these sentiments, stating that many Northern Saskatchewan residents feel abandoned. “They’ve needed more resources since Day 1, and it took far too long for the province to respond to the calls of the front-line firefighters,” McPhail said.

As of August 18, Saskatchewan’s ombudsman is investigating the Sask. Party’s wildfire response. Currently, 86 active wildfires are still burning across the province, with only six contained, intensifying the urgency for effective government intervention.

Residents are calling for immediate action and transparency from the provincial government to ensure their safety and support moving forward. The outcry for assistance emphasizes the need for a comprehensive wildfire response strategy, underscoring the growing frustration in communities that feel overlooked.

What happens next could define the province’s commitment to its northern residents as they seek answers and accountability. As this situation develops, it remains critical to watch for further statements from Premier Moe and the Sask. Party regarding their plans to address these urgent community needs.