The Saskatchewan NDP’s attempt to establish an independent public inquiry into the provincial government’s response to a wildfire that devastated a northern village in the summer has been thwarted. On Tuesday, the motion presented by Saskatchewan NDP MLA Jordan McPhail was rejected by the provincial government. McPhail has spearheaded the NDP’s quest for information regarding the wildfire that swept through Denare Beach, Sask., in June, resulting in the destruction of over 200 residences.

Instead of the public inquiry, the provincial government has emphasized the independent review of the 2025 wildfire season announced earlier in the week. MNP has been tasked with conducting this review, which will provide affected individuals with the chance to share their perspectives and experiences. The findings of the review will be made public.

McPhail expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach, stating that allowing the government to select who can speak during a review speaks for itself. The government’s decision has also been met with disapproval by Denare Beach residents, some of whom were present at the legislature on Tuesday. Tasha Young, who lost her home and business in the fire, initially had faith in the government after Premier Scott Moe’s belated visit to Denare Beach, but now views the decision to block a public inquiry as “absurd.”

Residents like Dustin Trumbley are calling for Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod to resign, with Trumbley asserting that McLeod is incapable of performing his duties effectively. Another resident, Rhonda Werbicki, whose home was destroyed in the wildfire, questions why the government is ignoring the demands for an inquiry, asking why they wouldn’t welcome the opportunity to vindicate their actions.

The stance of the government has left many in Denare Beach feeling disillusioned and seeking answers to the lingering questions surrounding the wildfire response.