During debate in the Legislature Thursday, the Opposition went after the government for not being prepared, they say, again, for wildfire season.

Opposition House Speaker the NDP’s Nicole Sarauer says the major reason the province was unprepared last wildfire season was because water bombers were grounded, and she says this year appears to be no different

“Now, we have the Premier’s own minister admitting that two water bombers will remain grounded this year until July, and another won’t even arrive until August. A fourth bomber has gone missing from the government’s website all together. How did this Premier lose four water bombers.” 

NDP MLA for Cumberland Jordan McPhail chimed in, as well. 

“My constituents are already fearing the worst after last year, and this isn’t going to help them sleep any better. Three bombers grounded, a fourth missing. How did the minister fail the people of Saskatchewan so badly, particularly my constituents in the North?” 

Minister Responsible for Community Safety, Michael Weger, explained that he has, “been up to Prince Albert to meet with the SPSA. We’ve given updates on our water bomber fleet. We’re aware of two water bombers that are currently being repaired…It’s expected those water bombers will be ready when needed this summer.”  

The NDP says last year, four of ten water bombers were grounded and that last October, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency website changed the number of Convair 580A land-based air tankers from four to three.