Saskatchewan ombudsman says delays in wildfire response have caused distrust. Evacuees face confusion, poor support, and lack of clear communication.
Government Criticized for Slow Evacuation Response
June 11, 2025 — Saskatchewan’s ombudsman has issued a stark rebuke of the provincial government’s response to wildfire evacuations, warning that delays and poor communication have eroded public trust during a time of crisis.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ombudsman Sharon Pratchler detailed how evacuees from northern communities have been left in limbo — many living in cars, tents, or parking lots without basic necessities. “Your process to provide services… is not working for many of them,” she said.
Confusion and Lack of Planning Leave Evacuees Stranded
The ombudsman’s office has received numerous calls from evacuees confused by the lack of clear guidance. Pratchler emphasized that many would be better prepared to cope if they understood what plan was in place. “Delays in access to safe shelter and food have fuelled distrust,” she said, issuing 14 urgent calls to action.
These include staffing a 24/7 hotline, consolidating information about evacuation sites, and creating space for displaced doctors to continue patient care.
Opposition Blasts Government’s Emergency Management
Saskatchewan NDP MLA Jordan McPhail echoed the ombudsman’s concerns, describing the government’s response as “pure chaos and callous failure.” He noted evacuees are going into debt and driving long distances to access basic aid, while Opposition House Leader Nicole Sarauer demanded immediate reforms in shelter and communication systems.
Residents Struggle to Survive on Limited Support
Chantelle Morin, an evacuee from Denare Beach and member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, described how she and her family have lived in a trailer since fleeing their destroyed community. She criticized both the Red Cross and the province for failing to provide adequate support.
“We’re spending out of pocket. We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” she said. Though government support exists, overlapping responsibilities between agencies often mean families fall through the cracks.
Province Vows Improvements, Acknowledges Backlog
In response, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) acknowledged the shortcomings. Fire commissioner Marlo Pritchard said the province has hired 14 new staff to help address the backlog in aid distribution. While nearly 10,000 evacuees are receiving some form of support, Pritchard admitted the system must do better, especially for those without alternatives.
Return Home Begins for Some as Weather Improves
Encouraging news came for some evacuees as weather conditions began to shift. According to SPSA Vice President Steve Roberts, rain and cooler temperatures have helped crews contain several fires. Residents from Weyakwin, Pelican Narrows, and now La Ronge will soon begin returning home.
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson confirmed that healthy residents with vehicles may return starting Thursday, with others to follow over the weekend. SaskPower is working to restore infrastructure damaged by the fires, with temporary outages planned during the transition.
Outlook Remains Uncertain for Many
Despite progress in some areas, thousands remain displaced and unsure when — or if — they’ll have homes to return to. A full investigation by the ombudsman’s office is pending, but for now, the focus remains on immediate action.
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