The Saskatchewan NDP is escalating its criticism of Premier Scott Moe’s wildfire response after releasing what it calls “photographic evidence” of his attendance at a Sask. Party golf fundraiser in the north.
On Wednesday, the party shared a social media post showing Moe addressing attendees at the Elk Ridge Resort for the Northern Golf Classic. The NDP says the image proves the premier “lied” about golfing while wildfires were devastating northern communities, including Denare Beach and East Trout Lake.
“If you can make time for political donors you sure as heck should be able to make time for victims of this horrible wildfire,” said NDP Deputy Leader Vicki Mowat. “Denare Beach is only a short drive away from the course. There’s zero excuse not to show up for these people who have lost so much.”
The photo comes after days of NDP accusations that Moe had been “missing in action” during the crisis and had yet to visit the hardest-hit areas.
Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail has publicly challenged Moe to tour Denare Beach, East Trout Lake and Sucker River next week, saying he’ll drive the premier himself.
Moe, who faced repeated questions about the golf tournament at a Tuesday news conference, dismissed the claims as “an outright lie” and “dishonest.”
He said he had been in La Loche and Beauval on Monday and was attending University of Saskatchewan and caucus events in Saskatoon Tuesday, adding that several cabinet ministers had visited the North in his place.
The premier cited $20 million in recovery funding for wildfire-affected communities and pointed to evacuee supports, including doubled per diem rates and upfront payments.
He also said the government is looking to expand training for local firefighters and invest in fire breaks, sprinklers, and other prevention measures.
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