DENARE BEACH — Opposition Leader Carla Beck and Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail stood alongside residents of fire-ravaged Denare Beach, calling again for Premier Scott Moe to visit the community.
Beck and McPhail urged Moe to hold a premier’s town hall to face residents’ questions.
“Scott Moe and his Sask. Party government must answer why they didn’t have this community’s back during the fires, and why he still hasn’t shown up,” said Beck in a statement.
“People want to move on, rebuild and focus on the future – and that can’t happen until we have accountability and leadership.”
“The folks on the ground here did everything they could to fight the fires, and the Sask. Party has been MIA,” said McPhail. “No community should ever be abandoned like this again. We need help now, and we need change for the future.”
At their announcement, the NDP also called for specific financial relief, including cutting the PST on construction labour for people who lost their homes and must rebuild; delivering financial support; introducing a grant program to help businesses stay afloat during the wildfire crisis; allowing businesses impacted by wildfires to delay or defer taxes and fees owed to the provincial government; expediting SGI coverage and claims for small businesses and tourism vendors; and committing to charge zero interest on any government tax arrears for affected businesses.
SPSA reports on funds distributed
In a news release Monday afternoon, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency reiterated its efforts to support people. It reported distributing more than $5 million to assist individuals through the recovery process.
SPSA said they have also provided $500 cheques to residents over the age of 18 living in Denare Beach and other evacuated communities.
They noted the province has dedicated $15 million to the Canadian Red Cross for further support to wildfire evacuees, and that those evacuated may now be eligible for two additional financial support options through the Red Cross.
The agency also pointed to the Government of Saskatchewan’s $20-million commitment to support communities affected by wildfire, specifically to initiate the rebuilding process. The Recovery Task Team, they added, continues to collaborate with communities on debris removal, landfill impacts, project management support and more.
