A large group of evacuees gathered with Saskatchewan MLA Jordan McPhail at a press conference today to discuss the lack of leadership with the wildfires from the Sask. Party government. Issues pertaining to Premier Scott Moe not accepting military support and lack of providing financial aid were brought up by very upset, worried and frustrated evacuees.
Last week, Premier Moe said the military has not been called because they cannot offer water bombers and firefighting resources which is currently needed. McPhail said Premier Moe can do a simple Google search on how the Canadian Armed Forces can help with wildfires and there is a long list of what they can provide.
Trevor Miller is a resident of Flin Flon, Manitoba and said neighbours of his are in shelters and haven’t seen anything other than a forty-dollar gift voucher for Safeway and questioned if there is even a Safeway nearby to use it. Miller goes on to say, “It doesn’t matter because that’s all they get and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew moved Heavan and earth to get resources to the north-to get the army in evacuating people, and Scott Moe stabbed us in the back. He waited for Denare to burn and there are still people in shelters given a 40-dollar gift card for a store they can’t get to.”
Miller went on to say that he applied on May 28th for financial assistance with the Manitoba government and the money was in his account last week, receiving just over $950 for both he and his son for two weeks. He said they will receive that on-going.
Many evacuees in attendance were visibly upset and said they feel abandoned due to the poor response from the Sask. Party government.
Evacuees are also reporting serious gaps in the government’s Emergency and Community Support (ECS) program. Many describe going days without any support, and the aid that is offered is attached to specific grocery store locations. They also say some evacuees who are displaced are considered ineligible for help.
Saskatchewan NDP MLA McPhail said there is no reason why evacuees can’t have an accessible and straightforward aid program like in neighbouring Alberta and Manitoba.
