NDP secures emergency debate on Canada-wide wildfires destroying communities

OTTAWA – On Monday, NDP Emergency Preparedness and Climate Resilience Critic Richard Cannings (South Okanagan – West Kootenay) successfully called for an emergency debate on the more than 400 wildfires burning across Canada.

“My thoughts are with all those who’ve lost their homes because of these out-of-control wildfires,” said Cannings. “30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and are still stranded. With the fires still burning, this situation is only escalating. I can’t think of a more urgent situation for Parliament to tackle than these fires sweeping parts of the country and the affect they’re having on thousands of families.”

Canada is expected to face a wildfire season like none before as the weather continues to get hotter and drier. There have already been 2,214 wildfires this year, with 3.4 million hectares of land scorched – and it’s only the first week of June.

“We have a long fire season ahead of us, and local and provincial first responders and firefighters are overwhelmed,” added Cannings. “It’s clear we need to re-evaluate the federal role in wildfire protection and response, including dedicated training for wildfire crews, direct supply of equipment from hoses to helicopters, resource allocation planning and coordination of international teams – which is why this emergency debate is beyond necessary.”

The emergency debate will begin tonight at 10 p.m. EST.