June 27, 2024 Summerside, Prince Edward Island Natural Resources Canada
Wildfires are increasing in frequency and in severity across Canada because of climate change, impacting our health, economies, communities and wildlife. As another difficult wildfire season is underway, the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island will support Canadians and Islanders threatened by wildfires while strengthening our ability to adapt to a changing climate.
Today, Robert J. Morrissey, Member of Parliament, Egmont, Prince Edward Island, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Barb Ramsay, Minister of Social Development and Seniors on behalf of The Honourable Steven Myers, Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action announced a joint investment of over $3 million over four years through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program - Equipment Fund (FMWCC). The funding will help the province procure and increase wildland fire equipment and personnel, support resource exchanges and unlock community-based capacity.
Funding announced today will strengthen capacities and capabilities in fire management and across P.E.I. by procuring and upgrading specialized wildland firefighting equipment, such as hoses, trucks and contracted services for air support, as well as training materials and job opportunities for fire weather specialists, supervisors and students. As a result, Canada's wildland fire preparedness and response efforts will improve response efforts to advance the safety of both communities and firefighters.
Keeping Canadians safe and healthy is the government's top priority. Working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the federal government continues to address and support the fight against wildfires while combating the effects of climate change and ensuring public safety and protecting homes, livelihoods and lives.
