Coulson Aircrane, a competitor in the aerial firefighting industry, has filed a court application alleging that the SPSA deliberately structured its procurement process to favour Conair’s planes, effectively shutting out competitors. The company further alleges that Saskatchewan taxpayers overpaid by as much as $100 million compared to what Coulson says it would have charged for comparable aircraft.
In a formal letter, the NDP is asking the auditor to determine whether the provincial government held a fair, competitive tendering process.
“These are deeply troubling allegations that point to a government willing to bend the rules to reward one company at an enormous cost to taxpayers,” said Jordan McPhail, NDP Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs. “The people of Saskatchewan deserve to know whether public safety decisions were compromised and whether their money was spent responsibly.”
McPhail says failing to follow appropriate, competitive tendering processes undermines public trust and risks long-term harm to confidence in government accountability.
“The people of the North in particular have every right to feel outraged,” said McPhail. “This summer, while families and communities battled devastating wildfires, the government may have spent tens of millions more than necessary on planes. That money could have been used to protect homes, improve emergency response, and keep people safe.
“It's been 18 years and counting of failed Sask. Party leadership. Frankly, we deserve so much better.”
The Opposition is urging the Auditor to begin an inquiry without delay to provide Saskatchewan people with a clear, impartial assessment of how the procurement was handled and whether taxpayers were misled.
“Only the Provincial Auditor can cut through the government’s spin and get to the truth. This investigation is not about politics — it’s about accountability. Saskatchewan taxpayers deserve answers and to learn what happened here so we can ensure this never happens again in the future.”
Earlier this summer the NDP asked the Provincial Auditor to launch a special investigation following the government’s failure to properly maintain and deploy key firefighting aircraft during this year’s wildfire crisis.
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