The Government of Saskatchewan has increased financial assistance for wildfire evacuees, raising daily support to $40 for heads of households and $20 for additional members, with a maximum of $200 per day.

With 24 active wildfires and 33 communities evacuated, the province has also committed $15 million to the Canadian Red Cross to provide emergency accommodations and support services.

Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod says while some evacuees may soon return home, many will remain displaced as crews work to manage the fires safely.

The state of emergency remains in effect until at least June 29, 2025, and evacuees can seek help through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency or the Canadian Red Cross helplines.

The Saskatchewan NDP are saying Saskatchewan’s assistance program offers no direct payments, Unlike the ones being utilized by Manitoba and Alberta, where evacuees receive direct financial assistance via E-transfers. A news release from the NDP says instead, financial support is limited to credits for certain grocery stores, “creating major accessibility barriers for families without reliable transportation or those staying far from approved locations.”

The release adds that evacuees have told the NDP that the SPSA claims they will not be reimbursed for costs already incurred, and that full implementation of the program is still days away.