Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government insists it is improving communications with First Nations fleeing forest fires in the northwest, following heavy criticism last week. Chiefs, however, say little has changed.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland claimed “there has been improved communication” in an interview published on Friday by TBnewswatch.com. Holland, an associate minister in the Ford government, mentioned Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) Chief Wilfred King by name, among those communities who are experiencing improved communication.

“Holland said he has spoken to Chief Wilfred King from Gull Bay First Nation,” read the story “and that Premier Doug Ford expressed to King his willingness to sit down and talk.”

King said Holland is misleading Ontarians.

“Never, I have never spoken To Mr. Kevin Holland,” the chief said on Monday from a hotel in Thunder Bay where KZA members have been living since he declared an evacuation two weeks ago.

“Mr. Holland is not being truthful to anybody, especially when he says that he had a discussion with me. I had no discussion with Mr. Holland, whatsoever.”