Saskatchewan Auditor Launches Urgent Review of Wildfire Agency

UPDATE: Saskatchewan’s auditor’s office has just announced an urgent review of the province’s Public Safety Agency (SPSA) in response to devastating wildfires that struck earlier this year. This critical audit aims to assess the SPSA’s preparedness and response capabilities amid escalating wildfire threats.

Authorities confirm that the review comes on the heels of severe fire damage in communities such as Denare Beach, where a wildfire ravaged approximately half the town. Evacuees have reported sleeping in tents and cars due to inadequate shelter, highlighting the urgent need for effective emergency preparedness.

April Serink, a spokesperson for the auditor’s office, emphasized the urgency of this review: “Wildfires have been something important for our office to undertake. We’re seeing wildfires increasing, and the province is having to deal with this. So it’s very timely and it just makes sense to be topical.”

While this audit will not be a special investigation—requiring legislative approval that was denied earlier this year—it will nonetheless conduct a thorough evaluation of government operations and resource management within the SPSA. This includes scrutinizing the recent purchase of new firefighting aircraft, which has drawn significant controversy.

The Saskatchewan NDP has ramped up calls for a full, independent public inquiry, arguing that the Sask. Party has mishandled the disaster response from the start. NDP MLA Hugh Gordon stated, “Clearly the Sask. Party failed to manage this disaster response from day one, and it’s the people of the North who paid the price.” Gordon insists that an independent inquiry is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.

Concerns have also been raised regarding financial decisions linked to the acquisition of four water bombers, with allegations that the province may have overpaid by more than $100 million. B.C.-based manufacturer Coulson Aircrane claims that this costly decision will burden Saskatchewan taxpayers significantly.

The auditor’s findings are anticipated to be tabled in either the June or December volumes to the Legislative Assembly next year, making it crucial for residents to stay informed about the outcomes.

In the meantime, the provincial government has enlisted the services of the tax and accounting firm MNP to conduct an independent review of its wildfire response, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. As wildfires continue to pose a threat, the effectiveness of Saskatchewan’s emergency management will be under close scrutiny.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on the need for accountability in disaster response. The people of Saskatchewan deserve answers and assurance that their safety is a top priority.