The attempt by the Opposition NDP to initiate an independent public inquiry regarding the government’s handling of a wildfire that devastated a northern Saskatchewan village this past summer has been blocked. The motion, presented by Saskatchewan NDP MLA Jordan McPhail, was rejected by the provincial government during its introduction on Tuesday. McPhail has been at the forefront of the NDP’s quest for information regarding the wildfire that swept through Denare Beach, Sask., resulting in the destruction of over 200 residences.
Instead of the public inquiry, the provincial government is emphasizing the independent review of the 2025 wildfire season announced earlier in the week. The review will be conducted by MNP and will offer affected individuals the opportunity to share their firsthand experiences and perspectives. The outcomes of the review will be made publicly available.
McPhail expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach, stating, “When the government dictates who can participate in a review, the answer becomes evident.” The decision of the government has not been well-received by Denare Beach residents, some of whom were present in the legislature on Tuesday. Tasha Young, who suffered losses in the fire, initially had faith in the government after Premier Scott Moe apologized for the delayed visit to Denare Beach. However, she now views the government’s rejection of a public inquiry as “unreasonable.”
Dustin Trumbley, another Denare Beach resident, reiterated his call for Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod to step down from his position. Trumbley believes that Moe should take the necessary steps to seek McLeod’s resignation, stating, “I don’t think he is capable of performing his duties effectively.”
Rhonda Werbicki, another resident affected by the wildfire, questioned the government’s reluctance to heed the calls for an inquiry. She expressed confusion, asking, “If the government truly provided all possible assistance to us in the north, why would they oppose a public inquiry? Why wouldn’t they want to prove us wrong?”
