New airtanker bound for La Ronge as NDP questions delivery timing

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The province said the SPSA is the first jurisdiction in Canada to add the Q400MRE to its fleet. It follows a dedicated Dash-8 Q400AT airtanker that entered service in summer 2025.

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One older CV580 airtanker will be retired as part of the transition.

The government said the new airtanker will provide year-round emergency management – not just during wildfire season. (Image Credit: Submitted/Gov’t of Sask)

Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said the new aircraft will strengthen Saskatchewan’s ability to respond to wildfires and other emergencies.

“The addition of this aircraft to the fleet will strengthen the province’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to wildfires and emergency events, protecting communities across Saskatchewan,” he said.

However, the NDP said the aircraft had been expected in August and questioned the government’s decision to celebrate its arrival after the 2026 wildfire season.

Jordan McPhail, the Opposition’s northern affairs and forestry critic, said the purchase was announced in 2024.

“This aircraft was announced in 2024 and was supposed to be here in the summer. It was supposed to be ready to fight wildfires and protect communities and first responders. Why is it showing up at the start of winter?” McPhail said in a news release.

McPhail said he welcomed additional firefighting resources but argued the arrival did not resolve concerns about the government’s response to the 2025 wildfires.

The Saskatchewan NDP said the purchase was announced in 2024 and questioned the timing of the delivery. (Image Credit: Submitted/Gov’t of Sask)

The government’s announcement did not address the NDP’s claim about the August delivery date or provide an explanation for the timing.

While the aircraft is certified for wildfire operations, the SPSA is working with Transport Canada on the operating specifications and programs needed to fully integrate it into the fleet. The province said some of its other capabilities are expected to be limited when it initially enters service next year.

Depending on its configuration, the aircraft can accommodate up to 64 passengers, 9,000 kilograms of cargo, or six stretchers with medical equipment and a clinical team.

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