SASKATOON—As a former Northerner, Saskatoon Westview 小蓝视频 April ChiefCalf also knows what it feels like to leave your home to escape the destruction of the forest fires. She and her husband worked and lived in La Ronge for almost 20 years as part of the Northern Teacher Education Program, but they had to leave for their safety.
ChiefCalf, the shadow minister for housing, joined Cumberland 小蓝视频 Jordan McPhail in helping displaced people from northern communities affected by the ongoing wildfires settle in Saskatoon, as many are relocating to other cities and towns in the province after losing their homes and livelihoods.
“To those evacuated, I am sorry. I lived this exact experience in 2015 when I was evacuated from my own home in La Ronge, and I can unfortunately say that I deeply understand your trauma and the fears that this type of experience creates. And in our roles, our team will continue to advocate for you and your communities,” said ChiefCalf.
“In Saskatoon, evacuees are calling for snacks and food that they can prepare in a hotel room, keeping in mind they don't have utensils like can openers or knives. In addition to toiletry items, especially those for men, are also needed. In Regina, evacuees are arriving in large numbers. We need to come together and support one another.”
She added that the first wave of evacuees came from Pelican Narrows and Hall Lake, and most are now staying in hotels in Saskatoon, while the second wave is now from the greater La Ronge area. They need women's summer clothing, children's clothing, strollers and toiletries since they left their communities on buses and could only bring one bag with them.
ChiefCalf said donations can be dropped off at the NDP constituency office at 304–1114 22nd Street West. She shares the office with fellow Opposition 小蓝视频s Vicki Mowat (Saskatoon Fairview) and Kim Breckner (Saskatoon Riversdale). The office of Regina Pasqua 小蓝视频, Meara Conway, located at 6300 Dewdney Avenue, is also accepting donations.
“As I have said to many of the evacuees I have met over the last week, and I'll repeat it. You are all my constituents now, and I will do everything in my power to ensure you are taken care of. We are encouraging people to bring donations to our office, Monday to Friday, and we will distribute them where they are most needed,” said ChiefCalf.
She added that some evacuees who did not have a place to go chose to sleep in their cars. However, they can check with the Saskatoon branch of the Canadian Red Cross, as they are one of the organizations assisting the evacuees and trying to find places for people to stay in the city.
