The attempt by the Opposition NDP to establish an independent public inquiry into the government’s handling of a wildfire that devastated a northern Saskatchewan village this summer has been thwarted. The motion, presented by Saskatchewan NDP MLA Jordan McPhail, was rejected by the provincial government during its introduction on Tuesday. McPhail has been leading the NDP’s campaign for information regarding the wildfire that swept through Denare Beach, Sask., causing the destruction of over 200 residences.
Instead of the proposed public inquiry, the provincial government is emphasizing an independent review of the 2025 wildfire season, recently announced. The review will be conducted by MNP, providing opportunities for individuals directly affected by the wildfires to share their perspectives and experiences, with the outcomes to be publicly disclosed.
McPhail expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response, stating that the government’s selection of who can participate in the review speaks for itself. The decision to forgo a public inquiry has not been well-received by Denare Beach residents, some of whom were present at the legislature on Tuesday. Tasha Young, who lost her home and business in the wildfire, initially trusted the government after Premier Scott Moe apologized for the delayed visit to Denare Beach. However, she now considers the government’s refusal to conduct a public inquiry as “unreasonable.”
Dustin Trumbley, another Denare Beach resident, reiterated his call for Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod’s resignation, suggesting that Moe should request McLeod’s departure due to his perceived incompetence. Rhonda Werbicki, whose home was also destroyed in the wildfire, questioned the government’s reluctance to heed the calls for an inquiry, wondering why they wouldn’t want to validate their actions through a public inquiry.
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