Minister, NDP MLA discuss wildfire response during Wadin Bay visit

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SPSA wildland firefighters demonstrated some equipment and techniques during his trip up north. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

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Weger was in Wadin Bay after being invited by residents of the recreational subdivision to meet with them. In June 2025, residents there were forced to defend their community from the Pisew fire after they said there was no response by the SPSA.

Their efforts ultimately proved successful and no cabins were lost to the blaze. They did, however, have to spend a substantial amount of their own money and they are looking to the provincial government for reimbursement.

“I think they wanted to put me in a headlock and get it out of me today, but definitely that is why I am here,” Weger explained.

“To hear exactly what they went through, how much of their own funds they put into it and how the community kind of fundraises to cover this kind of stuff. That’s information I need in order to go back to government and go back to cabinet and have that discussion.”

Cumberland NDP MLA Jordan McPhail was also in attendance in Wadin Bay on Saturday. As wildfire activity continues across the province, he said he hopes lessons learned from previous seasons are reflected in the current response.

Member of the La Ronge Regional Fire Department prepare their equipment and truck. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW)

“We hope the frontline resources of what the minister is saying they’re totally prepared, that they have all the resources. We hope that is the case,” McPhail said.

“We put forward a couple of ideas in the spring session talking about the Wildfire Strategy Act because we believe in northern voices like we see here in Wadin Bay. They know their communities, they know the access to the water, the lakes, how to properly battle back against the blazes. I think the strategy act we put forward would have had voices like the people we see here today reflected into law that would see successes can be showcased in a really good way, and those voices are heard by the provincial government.”

In the coming days, Weger will also be visiting the communities of Denare Beach, Jan Lake and Pelican Narrows.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com