Northern Sask. mayor calls province's wildfire evacuation response 'disgusting'
CBC
One week after residents of Air Ronge left the northern Saskatchewan community, fleeing wildfires and adhering to mandatory evacuation orders, the mayor says many of them still don't have a place to sleep.
Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk said some residents are messaging her saying they're hungry and don't have enough money for food. Others are sick and don't know where to go for help.
"It is Monday, June 9, and our residents have been given the run-around," Baschuk said.
"They're being turned away and they're being told there is nothing they can be helped with. We are talking thousands of displaced people from our communities up here in the Lac La Ronge region.
"It's disgusting to see how our people are being treated."
The situation prompted Baschuk to write a letter to Premier Scott Moe, demanding that the province provide a clear and consistent plan for evacuees.
She has also compiled a list of evacuees who have messaged saying they haven't received emergency services to pass along to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
That list is now several pages long.
"They tried to find some sort of support and relief and are getting nothing. We have people sleeping in vehicles for the past week, sleeping in backyards and tents."
Many are paying out-of-pocket for food and a place to stay.
"We've set up people to basically fall into the depths of poverty the way that this is going," said Baschuk.
Baschuk said she's had "multiple" calls and meetings with the SPSA, which is co-ordinating the emergency response.
She said the SPSA and Moe are well aware many evacuees aren't getting access to food, clothing and shelter.
"People are scattered everywhere."
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