The Saskatchewan government did not respond in a timely manner to many wildfire evacuees during the devastating summer of 2025, according to the provincial ombudsman's annual report. The report highlights widespread delays in providing shelter, food, and other essential supports to thousands of displaced residents.
Ombudsman Reports 387 Complaints on Fire Response
Sharon Pratchler, the provincial ombudsman, stated that her office received 4,612 complaints in 2025, a 13 percent increase from 2024. Of these, 387 were directly related to the government's response to wildfires that ravaged northern communities. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), responsible for emergency management, faced heavy criticism from residents, tribal councils, opposition politicians, and the ombudsman herself.
Evacuees Left Without Basic Necessities
Pratchler's report noted that some community members were left without access to shelter or support to purchase food and other necessities. At the peak of the wildfires, over 10,000 Saskatchewan residents were forced to evacuate their homes. The ombudsman emphasized that timeliness is critical during crises, stating, "In a crisis, timeliness of response equates to safety for those who are displaced from their homes and community."
Delays Amplify Trauma
The report stressed that delays and bottlenecks in processes can intensify the impact of traumatic events. Pratchler called for streamlined, preferably one-step processes to apply for financial and other supports. She noted that while the Emergency Community Support program aims to respond to urgent needs, evacuees and community leaders reported difficulties in operationalizing that goal during the evacuation.
Pratchler's office traveled nearly 71,000 kilometers in 2025 to conduct municipal and other outreach. She reiterated that the ombudsman's focus is on continuous improvement in government program delivery, ensuring the best possible experience for the public. The report used best practices to assess the needs of wildfire evacuees, emphasizing timeliness, clarity of information, flexibility to meet diverse needs, and flexible payment options.
