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The Saskatchewan NDP and wildfire evacuees are calling for the province to step up with financial aid for the thousands of evacuees forced to leave their homes.
On Saturday, the provincial government announced it will double the amount registered evacuees will receive from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) to $40 a day per head of household.
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Additional members of a household will see an increase to $20 per day, bringing the maximum per household up to $200 per day.
According to SPSA, when a community decides to evacuate, its leaders decide whether to receive support from the agency or other third-party providers, with the Emergency Community Support (ECS) program available to those eligible for provincial aid.
NDP MLA Jordan McPhail calls on the province to step up with financial aid for wildfire evacuees. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
At a press conference in Saskatoon on Monday, MLA for Cumberland Jordan McPhail said evacuees have gone days without financial aid and are still waiting.
McPhail criticized the province’s response, stating the support program wasn’t fully operational for evacuees who needed it. He added that he has been told that some evacuees won’t qualify for support when the program is running because they are staying in hotels instead of with family.
McPhail noted that he’s heard from evacuees who are unable to use grocery vouchers provided because approved stores are too far away.
“Alberta and Manitoba are putting money directly into evacuees’ pockets through e-transfers (with) no hassle (and) no red tape,” McPhail said. “It’s fast, it’s accessible and it respects people’s dignity.”
McPhail also called on the province to bring in the Canadian military to assist with controlling the wildfires, a move the province has not pursued.
“There’s been a clear need for more resources on the frontlines … and in the communities,” McPhail said.
Sheri Parr, an evacuee from Creighton near Flin Flon, MB, said she feels the wildfire crisis up north has been mismanaged from the beginning.
Her husband is a volunteer firefighter working in the area.
“He and the entire fire crew have been sleeping on dirt roads, on concrete floors and in lawn chairs in the fire hall because they’re so exhausted,” Parr said.
“They’ve had zero government support from day one, our town council stayed behind and took care of our firefighters.”
Additionally, Parr said when she reached out to the province for financial aid she was informed she could receive $20 per family member for the entire duration of the evacuation.
“We have five children, so that would basically pay for our fuel to get here,” she said.
“We fled Creighton nearly two weeks ago, and still haven’t seen a dime in aid,” said Moira Pinnell Davis, another Creighton evacuee.
“My husband and I will be OK, but I know many others are desperate for this financial aid (and) don’t have a financial cushion.”
Trevor Miller, an evacuee from Flin Flon, MB, said he received an e-transfer of around $950 from his province, with another expected in two weeks.
“I hear neighbours of mine, people in shelters haven’t seen anything but a $40 gift voucher for Safeway,” Miller said.
“It’s disgraceful.”
A statement from the SPSA said it is working to rectify concerns regarding the reimbursement of costs.
According to the SPSA, evacuees staying in designated hotels will receive accommodation, meals, activities, emergency clothing, and health support on site.
Additionally, evacuees choosing to stay with family and friends are offered groceries at the closest store to where they are currently staying.
Residents in communities receiving support from SPSA can register for support through the Sask Evacuation App, and call the agency’s line for support.
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