Premier Scott Moe spoke to reporters today at the Regina International Airport (YQR) about the province’s initiative to acquire new aircraft for its firefighting fleet. The premier emphasized the importance of this investment, especially for communities in Northern Saskatchewan where wildfires are most prevalent.
Premier Moe highlighted that the province has initiated the process of acquiring new aircraft, which are not only faster but also have a larger payload. These upgraded aircraft will enable more efficient service to Saskatchewan communities, ensuring the safety of families across the province.
“With these new aircraft, we aim to keep Saskatchewan families safer,” said Premier Moe. “We currently have about five active wildfires, but on average, we face around 350 wildfires each year. This investment is necessary to keep our communities safe, and we are proud to make it.”
One of the notable features of the new aircraft is their dual-purpose capability. Apart from serving as bombers to combat wildfires, these aircraft can also be used for transportation, facilitating the quick movement of evacuees and wildfire ground crews.
Premier Moe explained, “These new aircraft will provide an added service of transporting evacuees, including those who may be injured or on stretchers, to safety. This investment will enable us to transport significant numbers of people in a short time.”
During the press conference, Premier Moe was also asked about Prime Minister’s visit to Saskatoon earlier in the day. He stated that he was notified about the visit only a day in advance and expressed disappointment over not being given an opportunity for a meeting or to participate in the announcement.
“We had no advanced notice of today’s announcement,” said Premier Moe. “While we appreciate the federal government’s investment in a virtual Health Hub, it is essential to have better communication and collaboration between the provincial and federal governments.”
Premier Moe emphasized the importance of fostering better relations between the federal and provincial governments to advance opportunities for Canadians.
“We need good federal-provincial relations to collectively advance our opportunities from coast to coast,” said Premier Moe. “If the federal government chooses not to improve its relationship with Saskatchewan and other provinces, they may find themselves replaced.”
Addressing the issue of human-caused wildfires, Premier Moe stressed the importance of fire prevention and education. He acknowledged that a significant number of wildfires are human-caused and highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to educate the public about fire safety.
“We need to constantly communicate best practices for enjoying our beautiful environment safely,” said Premier Moe. “Whether it’s riding a quad or starting a campfire, it’s crucial to do so in a safe manner to prevent wildfires.”
The first of the new aircraft is expected to arrive in 2025, with the full fleet scheduled to be delivered by 2027. When asked about the timeline, Premier Moe clarified that this is as quickly as the aircraft can be built under the agreement signed by the province.
“We have a structured plan in place to replace our current fleet,” said Premier Moe. “While it would be nice to have them immediately, it’s equally important to ensure that we have a plan for the long term.”
As the province prepares for what is anticipated to be a long, dry, and hot summer, these new aircraft will play a vital role in safeguarding communities and ensuring the safety of Saskatchewan families for decades to come.