The provincial government will be merging wildfire and emergency services into one department following the 2019 wildfire and flood seasons.
These services were split between the Ministries of Government Relations and Environment, but will soon be handled by Government Relations alone.
Environment Minister Dustin Duncan says there was confusion among some northern communities on which department to contact in potential evacuation situations.
“Government Relations has been very involved for instance when we’ve had to evacuate communities because of northern forest fires. That role will continue, but one of the challenges that I think we have found in the past when communities have been first and foremost wondering who they talk to, when it comes to do we make the decision to evacuate our community?” Duncan said.
Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding says northern municipalities and First Nations were consulted on the possible changes.
Prior to the merger announcement Government Relations handled emergency situations in southern Saskatchewan, while Environment was responsible for the north.
“I think for those communities, northern communities we’re certainly hopeful this [amalgamation] is going to respond to some of those concerns that have been raised in the past. There could be better coordination from the government standpoint,” said Duncan.
The government says the transition will not impact emergency services for this year.
(PHOTO: Environment Minister Dustin Duncan left. Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding right. By Dan Jones)