SASKATOON – With more than 15,000 people forced from their homes and wildfires burning through entire northern communities, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is urging Premier Scott Moe to formally accept federal assistance — including military, policing, and communications support.
In a radio interview yesterday, Federal Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger confirmed the federal government is ready to step in, but said the province has yet to ask for help.
“There’s more that we could do, but Saskatchewan has not requested federal help yet,” Belanger told Saskatoon Morning host Stephanie Massicotte.
“The biggest opportunity we have is bringing in the army. I’ve spoken with Minister McGuinty and he’s assured me that, within twenty-four hours, the army can be deployed and help out on many fronts.”
Belanger added that additional police resources are available and the federal government is also prepared to assist with communications.
In her letter to Moe, Beck said this support is urgently needed and warned that any delay from the provincial government could put lives and homes at further risk.
“People are losing everything, and the weather isn’t letting up,” said Beck. “The federal government has made it clear that help is available. There’s no reason to leave that help on the table.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has already called in the military to assist with evacuations in his province.
“I believe it is again time for a national approach,” Beck added.
“We should be using every resource available to protect people and protect the North.”
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