As wildfires rage, some wonder if Justin Trudeau’s government is doing enough – The Star
May 20, 2024
Ottawa has amped up its spending to fight worsening wildfires, but the Trudeau government is making it clear its role is to support provinces and territories rather than take over.
OTTAWA—Worsening wildfires are drawing increased attention and spending from Ottawa, but the federal government is not planning to take control over fighting the crisis.
That was evident Thursday as Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan committed to $19.2 million in federal money to Manitoba through a firefighting equipment fund first announced in 2022.
“While provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for fighting wildfires, and personnel and equipment, the federal government has recognized that additional firefighting resources will most certainly be required moving forward,” he told a press conference.
