Wildfires in Canada are becoming more severe and are having lasting impacts on the lives of Canadians. Protecting our communities from these devastating wildfires requires bold approaches and committed, coordinated action from all levels of government.
Today, Anthony Housefather, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, highlighted a Budget 2025 investment of $257.6 million over four years to Natural Resources Canada to lease firefighting aircraft, which could include waterbombers or other aircraft, that will bolster provincial and territorial aerial firefighting capacity.
Through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, strong national coordination of the federal, provincial, and territorial response to wildfires has kept people safe throughout many fire seasons. Aerial firefighting plays an important role in wildfire response by protecting lives and property, delivering water or fire retardant drops in hard-to-reach areas, slowing fire spread, and supporting ground crews with surveillance. The lease of firefighting aircraft will ensure Canadian wildland fire agencies have access to essential aerial firefighting resources, enhancing support to provinces and territories and Canadians in times of need.
The Government of Canada remains committed to strengthening wildfire resilience and ensuring communities across the country are better prepared for future wildfires.
