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Calgary Herald

Saskatchewan wildfire evacuees facing delays in aid, forced to sleep in cars: ombudsman

Saskatchewan ombudsman Sharon Pratchler says the province's attempts to help those fleeing the devastating wildfires in the north are falling short. Article content Her office is hearing from people who are waiting days to hear back about getting food and shelter and some are being forced to sleep in their cars, Pratchler told media Tuesday morning. Article content She also said aid money being given to evacuees isn't retroactive to the day they were forced out of their homes. Article content Article content 'These are basic human needs and the province is responsible for providing for them without any further delay,' said Pratchler. Article content Article content She joins others who have voiced concerns this week, including evacuees and firefighters' loved ones who spoke Monday on the conditions people are experiencing and called on the province to do better with its emergency response. Article content At a news conference in Saskatoon, NDP northern affairs critic Jordan McPhail said evacuees have had issues getting aid through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency's (SPSA) Emergency and Community Support (ECS) program. Article content The NDP and several evacuees said the program is confusing and restrictive. Some have gone days without financial aid, while others were deemed ineligible despite being in hotels because they've been displaced. Article content Article content Opposition critics also questioned once again why the province had not yet called for military support to bolster its response. Article content Article content Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Tim McLeod said Monday the province is offering all that is available to help residents. Article content 'We're doing everything possible to provide the resources and the supports that those communities need. Our federal counterparts are offering what they have to give, where that aligns with our needs,' said McLeod, who is also the SPSA's chair.