Northern Saskatchewan NDP MLA Jordan McPhail was joined by evacuees from Creighton Monday morning in calling out the SaskParty’s response to the wildfires.
McPhail and a few residents from the northeast community participated in a press conference in Saskatoon outside the NDP constituency office.
Two areas of concern would be brought up; the wildfire aid program and Saskatchewan’s continued refusal to bring in military help.
Saskatchewan’s wildfire aid program pails in comparison to Manitoba says northeast evacuees
This past weekend the Saskatchewan government announced the wildfire aid program would double from $20/per day to $40/per day.
McPhail responded to that saying he was “appalled” by the announcement as many evacuees can’t even access the aid at this time.
“What’s double of zero?” McPhail asked. “Simple math. Still zero. People aren’t looking for political spin. They need the help. They need real help, and they need it now.”
Many northerners have said they would like the government to provide e-transfers for aid rather than gift cards, which is something that has been done in Manitoba.
Moira Davis, a decades long resident of Creighton says trying to get financial aid as an evacuee from the Saskatchewan government has been a frustrating process.
“We fled Creighton two weeks ago and haven’t seen a dime,” said David. “I have spoken to people from Manitoba who say they have gotten their support.”
Trevor Miller, a resident of the Manitoba side of Flin Flon, says his process to receive aid was easy.
“I filled out a form with the Red Cross the twenty eighth, and money was in my account last week. Didn’t do anything else. Nothing else,” said Miller. “I hear neighbors of mine, people in shelters, they haven’t seen anything but a $40 gift voucher for Safeway. And is there a Safeway where you are? Doesn’t matter. That’s all you get.”
Continued calls for military support
In the past week, Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan government have faced numerous calls from the Saskatchewan NDP and other organizations to bring in military support.
The government has said the reason they have not yet called in the military is that the military doesn’t offer skilled firefighters and water bombers, which they say are things needed to battle the northern wildfires in the province.
However, McPhail and some of the Creighton residents aren’t buying it.
“I would suggest that the the premier pull out his phone, go to Google, and just ask what can the Canadian Armed Forces do to fight fire,” said McPhail. “He doesn’t have to go very fur much further than that, and he’ll have a very long list of what the Canadian Armed Forces can offer here in Saskatchewan.”
Sheri Parr, another decades long-time resident of Creighton says her husband, who is a firefighter, is sleeping on a a concrete floor in his gear, which she believes wouldn’t be happening with military help.
“It’s boots on the ground, the hands filling up fuel tanks, being able to man a hose, being able to shovel, and helping with the evacuation itself,” said Parr. “So I don’t think it’s a matter of skill. It’s a matter of we needed the hands on deck.”
In the meantime, the SPSA says they are working to rectify issues with wilfire aid. The organization says evacuees staying at designated hotels will receive accomodations, meals, emergency clothing, and health support on site. Evacuees who have chosen to stay with family and friends are offered groceries from a nearby grocery store.
(TOP PHOTO: Jordan McPhail holds a press conference in Saskatoon surrounded by evacuees from Creighton and Flin Flon. Photo by Joel Willick)