Statement from Opposition Leader Obby Khan on Breakdown of Communication on Wildfires
WINNIPEG — Obby Khan, Leader of the Official Opposition, released the following statement today on the ongoing breakdown of government communication during Manitoba’s wildfire crisis:
“During a crisis, I believe people need a sense of optimism and positivity. Hence, I’ve avoided being critical of the NDP on the wildfires while they are still ongoing. But, at this point, crisis communication and safety must be the top priority, and I fear for the safety of Manitobans if the Province does not take action immediately.
“Last night, essential workers evacuated Leaf Rapids. Today, officials told the media that they were not sure who had evacuated, where they went, or how they got there. This breakdown of communication from the Province has been a recurring pattern throughout this crisis.
“Since the Lac du Bonnet fires, we’ve flagged urgent concerns to Wab Kinew of how vital information is not being effectively coordinated and communicated to Manitobans. Those concerns were brushed aside, or outright mocked.
“These concerns were then raised by several Indigenous leaders, who said that evacuations were slowly and poorly communicated to First Nations. I’ve heard the same directly from Indigenous community members as well. At the end of May, a nurse also expressed ‘disgust’ at the frantic scramble to evacuate patients in Flin Flon.
“In June, myself and fellow Manitobans urged the Province to hold daily press briefings to better inform the public. That was also brushed aside. Now, the government is telling Manitobans to check Facebook for updates while ‘hoping it’s accurate going forward.’
“For over a month, Emergency Management Minister Lisa Naylor has not attended a single wildfire briefing. Wab Kinew and Lisa Naylor have failed to ensure accurate communications with emergency workers.
“This is one of the largest evacuations in Manitoba history. At least two Manitobans have tragically died; over 130 homes, cabins, and other structures have been lost; and over one-million hectares of our beautiful province burned.
“The consistent lack of communication, transparency and accountability from the NDP government is appalling. Last night should have been a wake-up call. Unfortunately, three months into one of the worst crises Manitoba has experienced, it appears Kinew and Naylor are still asleep at the wheel.”
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