As reported by Natural Resources Canada, the Governments of Canada and Yukon have announced a joint investment of over $21 million over five years to enhance the territory’s wildfire response.
The funding comes through the federal government’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Equipment Fund.
This investment will enable the Yukon to procure essential wildland firefighting equipment such as personal protective equipment and weather stations.
The funding will also support the hiring and training of additional wildland firefighters and extend the fire season employment for current firefighters.
According to Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley, this funding will improve fire management efforts, benefiting both local communities and firefighters by enhancing safety and resource-sharing across the country.
The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, has allocated $47.7 million to strengthen the province’s firefighting capabilities.
Saskatchewan is projected to experience above-average wildfire activity for the rest of 2024.
The joint funding, split equally between both governments, will be used to upgrade firefighting equipment and improve the province’s ability to respond to wildfires.
The funding includes $44.8 million from the FMWCC – Equipment Fund, which will be used to purchase wildland firefighting tools like radios, sprinklers, hoses, and pumps.
Additionally, Saskatchewan will receive $2.9 million under the Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program to expand its wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts.
This funding will help establish a coordinated approach to wildfire prevention across the province.
In addition to the new funding, the Government of Canada’s support for Indigenous-led wildfire initiatives continues.
Last year, a contribution of $524,780 was made to the Prince Albert Grand Council Indigenous Wildfire Stewards Pilot Program in Saskatchewan.
This initiative, funded through NRCan’s FMWCC – Training Fund, aims to support Indigenous communities by providing firefighter training and addressing the unique challenges these communities face in wildfire management.
This program helps to increase Indigenous representation in wildfire response efforts while enhancing understanding of the specific barriers these communities encounter.
The federal government remains committed to working closely with Indigenous organizations to improve wildfire response and prevention efforts.
Both the Yukon and Saskatchewan have received substantial federal support to address the increasing threat of wildfires across Canada.
These partnerships between the federal and territorial governments focus on improving wildfire response by investing in vital equipment, enhancing firefighting training, and extending the fire season employment for crews.
As stated by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson, these joint investments highlight the government’s dedication to providing tangible support to provinces and territories during the current wildfire season and in preparation for future challenges.
The Governments of Canada and Yukon announced a joint $21 million investment over five years aimed at enhancing the territory’s wildfire management.
The funding, provided through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program, will allow the Yukon to procure critical firefighting equipment and expand firefighter training and employment.
Similarly, Saskatchewan will receive $47.7 million for wildfire preparedness, including equipment upgrades and community-level prevention efforts under the FireSmart program.
Last year, an Indigenous-led wildfire training initiative in Saskatchewan also received support from the federal government.
