“Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government must answer why they didn’t have this community’s back during the fires, and why he still hasn’t shown up,” said Beck. “People want to move on, rebuild, and focus on the future – and that can’t happen until we have accountability and leadership.”
Premier Scott Moe has faced criticism from residents for months for refusing to visit the village and hear from residents who have lost their homes and businesses and answer their questions.
Questions include why Moe waited so long to call in the military, why the local Denare fire detachment was essentially left to fend for itself, and why five critically-needed water bombers were left to collect dust on the tarmac.
“The folks on the ground here did everything they could to fight the fires, and the Sask. Party has been MIA,” said McPhail. “No community should ever be abandoned like this again. We need help now, and we need change for the future.”
In addition to a Premier’s town hall to give wildfire victims closure and accountability, Beck is also specifically calling on the Sask. Party to:
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Cut the PST on construction labour for people who have lost their homes in the fires and must rebuild.
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Finally deliver financial support.
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Introduce a grant program to help businesses stay afloat during the wildfire crisis – especially for seasonal businesses like tourism and outfitting that do the vast majority of their business during the summer months.
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Allow businesses impacted by wildfires to delay or defer taxes and fees owed to the provincial government.
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Expedite any SGI coverage and claims for small businesses and tourism vendors impacted by the wildfires.
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Commit to charging zero interest on any government tax arrears for impacted businesses.
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