Saskatchewan government is defending its emergency response efforts after the provincial ombudsman identified significant problems in supporting thousands of wildfire evacuees across northern communities.Ombudsman Sharon Pratchler issued 14 immediate recommendations following what she called "unprecedented" complaints from evacuees struggling to find basic shelter, food, and information. The ombudsman has committed to a formal investigation into the government's response but said immediate action was needed.Sask Party government says it has spent millions of dollars on evacuation supports and opened emergency shelters across the province. .Officials point to the complex nature of the emergency, which has displaced thousands from multiple northern communities simultaneously.In contrast, the Sask NDP and municipal leaders present a different view. Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk said many residents are sleeping in tents, vehicles, or backyards more than a week after evacuations began."It is disgusting to see how our people are being treated," Baschuk told CBC. "They're being turned away and they're being told there is nothing they can be helped with.".The mayor wrote to Premier Scott Moe requesting better coordination, saying even community leaders are receiving conflicting information about available supports.NDP MLA Jordan McPhail said his constituents describe being shuffled between agencies without clear answers. McPhail pointed to cases of people spending thousands of dollars without receiving financial aid, getting vouchers for stores hundreds of kilometres away, and families separated without knowing if relatives are safe."People being bounced around from agency to agency, with no clear information," said McPhail. "More than a week for basic information or support.".Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) coordinates emergency response but has faced criticism for communication gaps. The SPSA says it continues working with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other organizations to provide support.Pratchler said her office received more complaints about the wildfire response than it could count, calling the situation unprecedented in her experience.NDP Public Safety Critic Nicole Sarauer demanded immediate improvements, saying the stress and anxiety facing evacuees were unacceptable."There can be no further delay. No further failure," said Sarauer. "It's time to show these evacuees some basic human decency."."We recognize that this has been an immensely challenging situation, particularly for those who have lost their homes," said a Saskatchewan government statement."We are encouraged today that some evacuees are now able to return home and remain optimistic that favourable conditions will allow more people to return home soon.""We want to reassure everyone that the Government of Saskatchewan, along with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, have heard the concerns about evacuees not receiving clear communication and difficulties accessing support. We are actively working to address these concerns.""With regard to the 855 phone number, SPSA has increased the number of staff answering calls in an effort to ensure that everyone is able to access consistent and accurate information in a timely manner."
