Saskatchewan NDP Calls for Federal Help as Wildfires Rage On

Saskatchewan NDP MLA Leroy Laliberte is calling for more federal help to fight wildfires in the province, citing inadequate provincial response. Federal Minister Tim Hodgson warned that this year's fire season is expected to continue to be worse than past years, particularly in the Prairies. There are currently 51 active wildfires in the province, with 12 not contained. The Saskatchewan Party government has been in contact with federal officials, but Laliberte believes they have abandoned the affected communities.

Saskatchewan NDP MLA Leroy Laliberte has urged the federal government to provide more assistance in combating wildfires ravaging the province. Laliberte's call comes as the federal Minister of Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, has warned that this year's fire season is expected to be more severe than previous years, particularly in the Prairies. Currently, Saskatchewan is battling 51 active wildfires, with 12 still not contained [2].

The Saskatchewan Party government has been in contact with federal officials, but Laliberte believes they have not been doing enough to support affected communities. He has called for more resources and coordination from the federal government to address the ongoing crisis.

Hodgson has emphasized the need for a more robust response, citing the unprecedented nature of this year's fire season. He has noted that the area burned so far is more than double the 10-year average by mid-July [2]. The federal government has been called in to assist on multiple occasions this season, including last week when the Armed Forces and the Red Cross helped evacuate over 2,800 people from Garden Hill First Nation in Manitoba [2].

The wildfire situation in Saskatchewan has been particularly challenging, with a record number of people displaced from their homes. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty has stated that 39,000 people have been forced to evacuate from 66 First Nations, mostly on the Prairies [2].

The federal government is exploring the formation of a new disaster response agency to better coordinate efforts across the country. This agency would aim to leverage regional resources more effectively and respond more quickly to emerging threats. The government is looking at examples from the United States and Australia to inform its plans [2].

Meanwhile, the insurance sector is also grappling with the increasing risk of wildfires. Willis Towers Watson has announced a partnership with the University of East Anglia to deepen understanding of global wildfire risk. The collaboration aims to provide insurers and reinsurers with scientific insights to help them anticipate and manage wildfire-related losses more effectively [3].

As the wildfire season continues to worsen, there is a growing consensus that a more coordinated and comprehensive response is needed. The federal government's planned emergency agency could play a crucial role in this effort, but it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively it can be implemented.

References:
[1] https://northeastnow.com/2025/07/18/wildfire-class-action-would-take-decades-law-firm-declines-to-pursue/
[2] https://www.rmoutlook.com/national-news/federal-officials-say-wildfire-forecast-shows-high-risk-of-more-fires-in-august-10963417
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/WILLIS-TOWERS-WATSON-PUBL-25623167/news/Willis-and-the-University-of-East-Anglia-Launch-Wildfires-Risk-Partnership-in-Response-to-Existing-G-50522149/