Saskatchewan Holds Firm: No Independent Probe for Troubled Wildfire Air Fleet

Despite a chorus of calls for transparency and an independent inquiry from the Opposition NDP and concerned pilots, the Saskatchewan government has confirmed it will not launch an external investigation into the persistent mechanical and operational issues plaguing its new wildfire suppression aircraft fleet.

The province maintains that existing internal review processes are sufficient to address the challenges faced by the crucial fleet.

Since their introduction, the 14 new planes, acquired through a multi-million dollar contract, have been beset by a series of problems. These include frequent groundings due to maintenance, engine failures, and even a critical near-miss incident during a training exercise involving a lead plane that had to declare an emergency.

Such incidents have sparked significant public safety concerns and questions about the stewardship of taxpayer funds.

The Opposition NDP has been a vocal critic, repeatedly urging the government to initiate a full, independent inquiry. Nicole Sarauer, the NDP's critic for Sask. Crop Insurance Corporation and Sask.

Gaming Corporation, highlighted the severity of the issues, stating, "We’ve had planes grounded. We’ve had near-misses. We’ve had engine failures. We need to be very transparent with the public.” The NDP argues that an external investigation is essential to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of both pilots and communities.

However, the government, through Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Public Safety and Protection, Paul Merriman, has consistently downplayed the necessity of an independent probe.

Merriman asserted that the issues, while concerning, are typical for a new fleet of aircraft undergoing its initial operational phase. He emphasized that safety remains the paramount concern and that all incidents are being thoroughly investigated internally by both the province and the contractor, Conair Group.

Merriman stated, "The current process in place is to make sure we’re reporting it, we’re investigating it, and we are fixing it." He pointed to the comprehensive internal reporting mechanisms and the fact that all incidents are reviewed to prevent recurrence, suggesting that an external inquiry would be redundant and unnecessary.

The government remains confident in its ability to manage the fleet's challenges through existing protocols.

The new air fleet, a significant investment for the province, is vital for wildfire suppression efforts across Saskatchewan, especially as the province faces increasingly severe fire seasons.

The debate underscores the tension between government accountability and operational management, with the NDP pushing for a higher degree of external oversight and the government maintaining its stance on internal resolution. As wildfire season continues, the performance and reliability of these aircraft will remain under close scrutiny.