August 13, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
With another challenging wildfire season underway and wildfires increasing in frequency and severity across Canada - impacting our health, economies, communities and wildlife - the Governments of Canada and Ontario are supporting Canadians and residents of Ontario who are threatened by wildfires.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, with the Honourable Graydon Smith, Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources, announced a joint investment of $64 million over four years through the Government of Canada's Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) - Equipment Fund.Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program.
This joint investment will support Ontario's efforts to purchase wildland firefighting equipment such as trucks, community protection kits and fuel systems. By procuring and upgrading specialized wildland firefighting equipment and hiring and training more personnel, Ontario will be better prepared to respond to wildfires. This result will enhance safety for communities and firefighters and improve the sharing of resources across Canada. To date, Ontario has purchased a variety of equipment, including pumps, weather stations, boats, trailers and all-terrain vehicles.
Keeping Canadians safe and healthy is a top priority for the Governments of Canada and Ontario. By working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the federal government continues to address and support the fight against wildfires, ensure public safety and protect homes, livelihoods and lives.
