REGINA 鈥� Saskatchewan's ombudsman says Premier Scott Moe's government is failing to provide timely help to wildfire evacuees.
Sharon Pratchler said evacuees calling in for help are being told the government will get back to them in four days.
鈥�'We will get back to you in four days鈥� is not a response that should be given,鈥� Pratchler told a news conference Tuesday.
She said her staff are being overwhelmed trying to match evacuees with supports.
She said some evacuees are being forced to sleep in their cars.
鈥淭he time for working on it has passed and an immediate response is required," she said.
What鈥檚 the main concern you鈥檙e hearing from evacuees? Pratchler was asked.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 have a place to sleep tonight. I don鈥檛 have food. My baby doesn鈥檛 have diapers,鈥� Pratchler replied.
Pratchler said there were other concerns: aid money being given to evacuees isn't retroactive to the day they were forced out of their homes.
She says a database is needed to co-ordinate resources and help.
Saskatchewan is dealing with multiple fires in the north that have forced between 10,000 and 15,000 people to flee.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
