SASK. PARTY BLOCKS SPECIAL INVESTIGATION INTO WATERBOMBER FIASCO

REGINA – The Sask. Party has blocked a motion by the Saskatchewan NDP that would have compelled the Provincial Auditor to conduct a special investigation into the grounding of four waterbombers and allegations that taxpayers were overcharged $100 million for new planes.

Saskatoon Silverspring MLA Hugh Gordon moved the motion this morning at the start of Public Accounts – the committee of the Legislature empowered to bring about special investigations.

Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail, whose constituents lost hundreds of homes in the fires, responded to the Sask. Party’s decision from Saskatoon.

“People have lost homes – the least they deserve is answers from their government,” said McPhail.

“After 18 years, the Sask. Party has grown tired, out of touch, and they don't think the rules apply to them. A full-fledged investigation into this scandal is the only way to make sure this never happens again.”

Court documents say the Sask. Party gave Conair a $187-million contract for four new waterbombers without public tender, a job Coulson Aircrane says they were shut out of and could have done for $100 million less.

Of the province’s existing fleet, four waterbombers were grounded during the fires due to missing parts and routine maintenance that the Sask. Party failed to carry out during the winter.

“The North is resilient and we will rebuild — why does the Sask. Party continue to turn their backs on the people of the North and this province as they have this entire wildfire season?” said McPhail. “We will not stop pushing for the Sask. Party to come clear about their disastrous wildfire response.”

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