Winnipeg MP calls out ‘neglect’ of Manitoba wildfire evacuees
Posted June 2, 2026 6:26 pm.
Last Updated June 2, 2026 7:38 pm.
Winnipeg Centre MP Leah Gazan is criticizing the federal government over what she calls a lengthy delay in responding to concerns about wildfire evacuees.
Gazan says she wrote to Indigenous Services Canada in July of last year, during Manitoba’s historic wildfire season, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of evacuees displaced to Winnipeg.
Gazan says she did not hear back until last week, nearly 10 months later. With thousands of Manitobans gearing up to once again be potentially displaced this summer, Gazan says more needs to be done to support evacuees and ensure their safety while away from their home communities.
“There needs to be major investment in local mental health supports, recreation supports, proper transportation for evacuees to get them around the city. There needs to be security, but it needs to be security that is chosen by the impacted communities and the wildfire season. They need funding for that. And evacuees also need to be provided with the financial resources they need to survive in the city,” said Gazan.
CityNews reached out to Indigenous Services Canada and Minister Mandy Gull-Masty for comment but did not immediately hear back.
