The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, with François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, have announced a joint investment of $64 million over three years through the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Equipment Fund.
This joint investment is supporting Quebec’s efforts to purchase wildfire firefighting equipment, such as vehicles, drones and telecommunications equipment.
By buying and upgrading equipment and hiring and training more personnel, Quebec will be better prepared to respond to wildfires and provide support when other regions in Canada experience high fire activity.
By working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the federal government is supporting the fight against wildfires in communities across the country.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said: “The Government of Canada is providing provinces, territories and partners with the support they need to fight wildfires.
Today’s announcement with Quebec is part of our commitment to work cooperatively as we prepare to fight worsening wildfires. Through fast-flowing funding for firefighting tools, vehicles and personnel, we are helping communities to prepare for future challenges.”
Minister of Environment and Climate Change in Canada, The Honourable Steven Guilbeault’s statement
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change in Canada said: “Communities in Quebec are on the frontlines of the extreme weather events that are worsening as a result of climate change.
“We all saw the costly devastation that upended lives from the wildfires in recent years. With today’s announcement, we are delivering important federal investments to ensure Quebec firefighters have the tools and support they need to protect communities.”
Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, François Bonnardel’s statement
François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region said: “The 2023 forest fire season was very significant for Quebecers.
“We have invested substantial sums in recent years, notably in the last Quebec budget, to acquire equipment and build capacity in the field and in training. This funding will enable us to build on our past investments and better protect the communities living near the affected areas.”
Minister’s from Canada and Quebec contribute to Equipment Fund: Summary
Ministers from Canada and Quebec have made a significant donation to The Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) Equipment Fund.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources said that the announcement with Quebec is part of a commitment to work cooperatively as they prepare to fight worsening wildfires.