The Saskatchewan government has rejected the Opposition NDP’s proposal for an independent public inquiry into its handling of a wildfire that devastated a northern village in the province earlier this year. The motion, presented by Saskatchewan NDP MLA Jordan McPhail, was defeated by the government during a session held on Tuesday.
McPhail has been leading the NDP’s efforts to seek clarity on the wildfire that swept through Denare Beach, Sask., in June, resulting in the destruction of over 200 residences. Instead of the public inquiry, the provincial government has emphasized an independent review of the 2025 wildfire season launched recently, to be conducted by MNP. This review aims to provide affected individuals with the opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences, with the outcomes to be publicly disclosed.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, McPhail criticized the selective nature of the review process, stating that it speaks for itself. Denare Beach residents, including Tasha Young, who lost her home and business in the fire, were present at the legislature during the session. Young, initially optimistic after Premier Scott Moe’s belated apology for the delayed visit to Denare Beach, now finds the government’s refusal to conduct a public inquiry bewildering.
Dustin Trumbley, another resident, has reiterated his call for the resignation of Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod, suggesting that Moe should take the necessary steps to address the situation by requesting McLeod’s departure from office. Rhonda Werbicki, a resident whose home was among those lost in the wildfire, expressed bewilderment at the government’s reluctance to heed the community’s demand for an inquiry, questioning why they would not want to validate their efforts in assisting the affected population.