Saskatchewan’s ombudsman says Premier Scott Moe’s government is failing to provide timely responses to wildfire evacuees.
Sharon Pratchler says her office is hearing from people who are waiting days to hear back about getting food and shelter.
She says some evacuees are being forced to sleep in their cars.
Pratchler says aid money being given to evacuees isn’t retroactive to the day they were forced out of their homes.
She says a database is needed to co-ordinate resources and help for those out of their homes.
Saskatchewan is dealing with multiple fires in the north that have forced more than 10,000 people to flee.
More coming.
(Update at 11 a.m.)
Saskatchewan’s ombudsman says Premier Scott Moe’s government is failing to provide timely help to wildfire evacuees.
Sharon Pratchler said evacuees calling in for help are being told the government will get back to them in four days.
“’We will get back to you in four days’ is not a response that should be given,” Pratchler told a news conference Tuesday.
She said her staff are being overwhelmed trying to match evacuees with supports.
She said some evacuees are being forced to sleep in their cars.
“The time for working on it has passed and an immediate response is required,” she said.
What’s the main concern you’re hearing from evacuees? Pratchler was asked.
“I don’t have a place to sleep tonight. I don’t have food. My baby doesn’t have diapers,” Pratchler replied.
Pratchler said there were other concerns: aid money being given to evacuees isn’t retroactive to the day they were forced out of their homes.
She says a database is needed to co-ordinate resources and help.
Saskatchewan is dealing with multiple fires in the north that have forced between 10,000 and 15,000 people to flee.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.
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