MP Gord Johns presses government to establish a national aerial firefighting fleet

OTTAWA— On September 23 in the House of Commons, Gord Johns, Member of Parliament for Courtenay–Alberni, rose in Question Period and called on the federal government to urgently invest in a permanent, sovereign aerial firefighting fleet to protect Canadian communities from escalating climate disasters.

“Canada is facing record wildfires that are destroying communities, critical infrastructure, and lives, while creating dangerous air pollution that harms human health,” Johns said during Question Period. “Yet Canada still does not have its own national firefighting fleet.”

Johns highlighted Port Alberni–based Coulson Aviation, a world leader in retrofitting and building aircraft such as the retired CC-130 Hercules, which have been successfully deployed internationally to combat wildfires. He underscored that investing in Canadian-built solutions would not only strengthen national resilience but also create high-skilled aerospace jobs here at home.

“Will the government commit in this budget to establishing a permanent national aerial firefighting fleet—so Canada can defend our communities from climate disasters while also meeting its NATO obligations?” Johns asked.

Following Question Period, Johns wrote a letter to the government, explaining that there is an important opportunity for the federal government to partner with the private sector, in collaboration with potential First Nations partners, to retrofit a portion of Canada’s retired CC-130H Hercules fleet into large airtankers for wildfire suppression.

With wildfire seasons growing longer, hotter, and more destructive, Johns stressed that a sovereign aerial firefighting fleet is a critical investment in climate readiness, public safety, and economic development.

“Canada cannot continue to rely on patchwork contracts and borrowed aircraft in times of crisis. We have the expertise right here on Vancouver Island to build the fleet Canadians deserve. It’s time for Ottawa to act,” Johns said.

To watch MP Johns press the government to establish a national aerial firefighting fleet, click here.

To view the Parliamentary petition on the aerial firefighting fleet, click here.