AS WILDFIRE EVACUEES DOUBLE, SASKATCHEWAN NDP CALLS FOR BETTER COMMUNICATION FOR THOSE DISPLACED, THOSE STILL ON FRONTLINES

SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan NDP is thanking frontline heroes working to protect people and nearly two dozen Northern communities from ongoing wildfires, and demanding better communication for those still working in areas under threat and those evacuated to other communities.

“I am so thankful that no one has been seriously hurt — and that is a full credit to the frontline heroes working around the clock to protect thousands and thousands of my constituents,” said Jordan McPhail, Cumberland MLA.

“I have to tell you last night was one of the scariest of my life, and I know the same can be said for so many other people I have spoken to this morning.”

McPhail was among thousands to flee from La Ronge and nearby communities after an evacuation order was issued Monday afternoon. His mother remains in the community working at a field hospital.

“The drive out of La Ronge to here in Saskatoon was terrifying. Fire on both sides of the highway — it was so hot you could feel it in the car.”

McPhail said the overwhelming frustration he’s hearing from constituents is the lack of communication and the lack of a plan for evacuees who may be away from their communities for days, even weeks, to come.

I am calling on the Premier to listen to all Northern Chiefs about what their communities need,” he said. “No available resource should be spared to protect the North.”

Saskatoon Westview MLA April ChiefCalf, who lived in the North for about 20 years, is helping coordinate donations for evacuees. ChiefCalf was forced to evacuate in 2015 as fires broke out in the North.

“What we are seeing across the northern regions of this province is unprecedented and absolutely devastating,” ChiefCalf said.

“To the people forced from their homes – you are all my constituents now as well, and I will do everything I can in my role to make sure you are taken care of.”

The Saskatchewan NDP is collecting donations at ChiefCalf’s office Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 304-1114 22nd Street West in Saskatoon and at the office of MLA Bhajan Brar at 6300 Dewdney Avenue in Regina.

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