Jason Halkett, who pleaded guilty to starting the Ditch-2 wildfire last year, had his sentencing date delayed for a fourth time, with a new hearing scheduled for September 17. The fire burned 200,000 hectares and damaged structures in several communities. Halkett is facing up to 14 years in prison, but exact sentencing submissions from both the Crown and defense are still being finalized. He has been remanded back into custody after waiting at the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Band Office for news of his rescheduled hearing.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-04,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Jason Halkett, a La Ronge man, had his sentencing date for starting the Ditch-2 wildfire rescheduled for the fourth time. He pleaded guilty in April and will now have to wait at least a few more weeks to learn what type of sentence he will receive. The Ditch-2 wildfire, one of last year's record-setting fires, burned 200,000 hectares and damaged structures and forced evacuations in several communities. Halkett was arrested in August 2025, months after the fire started in the Weyakwin area in May 2025. He has been remanded back into custody and is expected to be back in court on September 17. If convicted, he could face up to a maximum of 14 years in prison. The sentencing has been delayed due to a lengthy court docket, with Crown Counsel Robyn Ermine and defense lawyer Evan Streiloff submitting contested sentencing submissions.
Written for “Ditch-2 Wildfire Trial Delayed” on 2026-09-05,
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No political leaning scored for article 3810 · logged 2026-09-04
A La Ronge man who sparked a massive wildfire north of Prince Albert last summer has had his sentencing date in court rescheduled a fourth consecutive time.
asserted
date → spark → court
Jason Halkett will have to wait a few more weeks at least to learn what type of sentence he will serve for starting the Ditch-2 wildfire last year after pleading guilty in April.
asserted
he → have → April
The Ditch-2 wildfire was one of the many devastating fires of last year’s record-setting season, reaching 200, 000 hectares burned.
asserted
wildfire → set → hectares
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At the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Band Office, Halkett waited until 1 p.m. to hear that his sentencing would be postponed due to a lengthy court docket.
asserted
sentencing → get → docket
Crown Counsel Robyn Ermine and defense lawyer Evan Streiloff have said they are putting forward contested sentencing submissions
Halkett was arrested in August of last year months after the fire was first sparked in the Weyakwin area in May 2025.
The fire damaged structures and forced the evacuation of several communities.
Halkett has been remanded back into custody and is expected to be back in court September 17.
He could face up to a maximum of 14 years in prison.
uncertain
He → say → prison
