The attempt by the Opposition NDP to set up an independent public inquiry into the government’s handling of a wildfire that devastated a northern Saskatchewan village in the summer has been thwarted. Saskatchewan NDP MLA Jordan McPhail’s proposal was defeated by the provincial government during its introduction on Tuesday. McPhail has been leading the NDP’s quest for information regarding the wildfire that struck Denare Beach, Sask., resulting in over 200 homes being destroyed. Instead of the public inquiry, the provincial government is emphasizing the independent review of the 2025 wildfire season announced earlier that week, to be conducted by MNP. The government stated that the review will provide those directly affected by the wildfires with the opportunity to share their stories and perspectives, with the outcomes to be made public.
McPhail expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s stance, stating that the selection of who can participate in the review speaks for itself. The government’s decision has not been well received by Denare Beach residents, some of whom were present in the legislature on Tuesday. Tasha Young, who lost her residence and business in the fire, initially had faith in the government following Premier Scott Moe’s belated apology for not visiting Denare Beach sooner but now considers the government’s rejection of a public inquiry as unreasonable. She questioned why the government would withhold answers that people are seeking.
Another Denare Beach resident, Dustin Trumbley, reiterated his call for Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod to step down from his position, suggesting that Moe should request his resignation, believing that McLeod is incapable of performing his duties effectively. Rhonda Werbicki, another resident who lost her home in the wildfire, expressed confusion over the government’s reluctance to heed calls for an inquiry, questioning why they wouldn’t want to validate their efforts in assisting the affected residents through a public inquiry.