REGINA - The wildfire situation has grown more serious in the province’s North, and the region’s two MLAs are speaking out on the situation.
Cumberland MLA and critic for Northern Affairs Jordan McPhail has issued a statement Monday in which he said his thoughts “are with the many people displaced and filled with anxiety as we face more evacuations from Northern communities this wildfire season. I would also like to thank the brave women and men who are actively working to protect our communities and the people who call them home.
“Our office is working with Northern leadership and communities to assist in whatever ways we can to ensure that the people impacted by this year’s wildfires have the resources they need to stay safe, to feel supported by their provincial government and to rebuild, if necessary.”
He said their “top priority right now must be keeping people safe and supporting those evacuated from their communities. I’ve also received phone calls from people living in places like Sandy Bay who have concerns about being cut off from key necessities of life, such as groceries and medications, because the fire has crossed over the only highway in and out of the community.”
McPhail adds they “continue to look to the provincial government to ensure that those who need support receive it,” and requested “public updates be made available during wildfire season to inform the public in impacted communities and those in communities who may be called on to support evacuation efforts.”
Athabasca MLA Leroy Laliberte also issued this statement about evacuations that have been under way.
“Residents have informed me of evacuations in Canoe Narrows and Jans Bay. My thoughts and prayers are with families in our region being forced from their homes tonight and with the brave emergency responders working to protect communities.
“We continue to hear concerns regarding the lack of communication with communities about these fires and where people impacted can turn for help.
“Our office is working with local leaders to assist with information; I urge everyone in the North to watch for updates and evacuation orders — safety of our people must be our No. 1 priority.”
