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Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
We'd all breathe easier if U.S. lawmakers quit blowing smoke, helped clear the air
Opinion It's become something of an annual ritual now. As wildfire smoke drifts south across the Canada-U.S. border, turning skies orange and triggering air-quality alerts in major American cities, Republican lawmakers south of the line scramble for someone to blame. Lately, they've settled on Canada. The same tired talking points roll out like a script: that Canada isn't doing enough to manage its forests, that our fires are choking American lungs and that the federal and provincial governments here are somehow asleep at the wheel. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Smoke obscures Winnipeg's skyline on Aug. 1. It's a convenient narrative — and a complete dodge of responsibility. Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan joined forces with Republican state lawmakers from Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota this week by filing a formal complaint against Canada to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Joint Commission. The Republican lawmakers are demanding an investigation into Canada's wildfire management practices. 'If Canada can't get these wildfires under control, they need to face real consequences,' Callahan said in a news release. 'We won't sit back while our air becomes a health hazard.' Premier Wab Kinew this week accused the group of pitching a 'timber tantrum.' Before U.S. politicians start wagging fingers north, though, they should take a long, hard look in the mirror. Because the wildfire smoke Americans are breathing isn't just a Canadian export. It's a symptom of a much larger problem — one that the United States, particularly under Republican leadership, has done far too little to address: human-caused climate change. Yes, Canada is experiencing another brutal wildfire season. Tens of thousands of square kilometres of forest have already burned this year. Towns have been evacuated, homes destroyed and firefighters pushed to the brink. And yes, that smoke doesn't stop at the border. But neither does the blame. The western and southern United States — including Republican-run states such as Texas and Idaho — have also been scorched by massive wildfires in recent years. California, in particular, has seen some of the most destructive and deadly fire seasons in its history. According to data from the U.S. National Interagency Fire Center, the number of acres burned annually in the U.S. has more than doubled since the 1990s. And like in Canada, the fires are getting hotter, they move faster and they're harder to control. The reason? Climate change. This isn't radical environmental rhetoric — it's scientific consensus. Hotter, drier conditions caused by a warming climate are fuelling more frequent and intense wildfires across North America, regardless of how the fires were ignited (most are started by humans, accidentally or deliberately). And here's where the U.S. — particularly under Republican leadership — has some serious soul-searching to do. President Donald Trump has cancelled plans to expand wind and solar power and doubled down on oil, gas and coal, falsely claiming renewable energy would 'wreck the economy.' Trump repeatedly calls climate change a 'hoax' and mocks the scientific reality even as wildfires devour entire U.S. towns and hurricanes batter coastal cities. The idea that Canada is single-handedly responsible for the smoke floating into Chicago or New York is not just dishonest — it's absurd. Both countries are burning. Both countries have forest management issues. Both countries need to adapt. Meanwhile, the U.S. is the second-largest carbon emitter in the world after China and has some of the highest per-person emissions globally. Canada has made some attempts to reduce carbon emissions, through carbon pricing, regulations and investments in clean energy. But it's not nearly enough. The Republican party, on the other hand, remains mired in climate denialism. Many of its most prominent figures reject basic climate science. They frame environmental regulations as government overreach and vilify green energy as part of a leftist plot to destroy American jobs. The irony is that American citizens — including many who vote Republican — are suffering the consequences. Wildfire smoke doesn't care about political affiliation. It's sending kids to emergency rooms, forcing schools to cancel recess and making life miserable for people with asthma and other respiratory issues. Instead of blaming Canada, maybe Republican lawmakers should ask why their own country continues to pump more carbon into the atmosphere year after year. Maybe they should ask why they're still subsidizing the fossil fuel industry to the tune of billions of dollars while attacking tax credits for solar panels and electric vehicles. Wednesdays What's next in arts, life and pop culture. Maybe they should stop calling climate change a hoax and start listening to the thousands of scientists — including those in their own country — who have been warning about this for decades. Climate change is a global issue. No single country can fix it on its own. But leadership matters. And so does honesty. So the next time Republican politicians in Washington or Texas start pointing fingers at Canada over wildfire smoke, they should remember: the smoke may have crossed the border, but much of the fuel for the fire is being pumped, mined and burned in their own backyard — often with their full support. It's time they owned up to that. Because as long as they keep treating climate change like a political game, everyone — on both sides of the border — will keep paying the price. Tom BrodbeckColumnist Tom Brodbeck is a columnist with the Free Press and has over 30 years experience in print media. He joined the Free Press in 2019. Born and raised in Montreal, Tom graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and commerce. Read more about Tom. Tom provides commentary and analysis on political and related issues at the municipal, provincial and federal level. His columns are built on research and coverage of local events. The Free Press's editing team reviews Tom's columns before they are posted online or published in print – part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBC
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Manitoba premier calls U.S. politicians 'attention-seekers' throwing a 'timber tantrum' over wildfire smoke
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew accused a group of Republicans of throwing a "timber tantrum" and playing "political games" after they called out Canada over wildfires sending smoke billowing across the international border into their states. "These are attention-seekers who can't come up with a good idea on health care or on making life more affordable," Kinew told The Canadian Press. "So they're playing games with something that's very serious." Kinew said he doesn't "generalize these attention-seekers' misguided words to all Americans." He noted that American firefighters have been helping to fight Canada's wildfires and Canadian firefighters were on the ground and in the air during California's devastating wildfire season. "I've thanked them and I thanked folks in the Trump administration who sent some of the federal firefighting resources up to Canada and to Manitoba," the premier said. "So we're going to have a continued relationship and an ability to support each other through wildfires going forward." In a Wednesday news release, Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan joined other Republican state lawmakers from Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota in filing a formal complaint against Canada to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and the International Joint Commission, a binational organization that resolves disputes on shared water and air quality. The Republican lawmakers called for an investigation of Canada's wildfire management practices and for potential remedies under international law. "If Canada can't get these wildfires under control, they need to face real consequences," Callahan said in the news release. "We won't sit back while our air becomes a health hazard." Callahan joins a chorus of Republican politicians at other levels of government who have been voicing concerns about Canada's wildfires. Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter to Canadian Sen. Michael MacDonald on Monday calling for stronger forest management policies and more accountability from Canadian officials. Both are members of the Canada—United States Inter-Parliamentary Group. Michigan Rep. John James sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney last week saying his constituents are choking on toxic wildfire smoke. Citing a letter other Republican members of Congress sent to Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman in July, James said that "since then, rather than progress, we have seen escalation." James said Kinew's declaration of a second state of emergency in Manitoba "confirmed what many Americans have feared: that Canada is not doing nearly enough to stop these fires before they start." WATCH | U.S. lawmakers ask Canada to do more about wildfire smoke: U.S. lawmakers ask Canada to do more about wildfire smoke 27 days ago Republican lawmakers from Minnesota and Wisconsin are asking the Canadian government to do more to prevent and mitigate wildfires because, they say, the smoke is making it harder for Americans to enjoy summer. The American lawmaker also criticized Kinew's comments in response to the initial letter. Kinew in July said it turns people off politics "when you have got a group of congresspeople trying to trivialize and make hay out of a wildfire season where we've lost lives in our province." A husband and wife were killed by a fast-moving wildfire northeast of Winnipeg in May and thousands have been evacuated from their communities. James said Kinew's comments dismissed the health impacts the wildfire smoke has on neighbouring states. The Republican said the smoke amounts to a public health emergency "and it is actively damaging the U.S.-Canada relationship." The increasing pressure from Republicans comes as the bilateral relationship between the two countries remains tense. On Aug. 1, U.S. President Donald Trump boosted tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 per cent after a new security and economic agreement failed to materialize ahead of the president's deadline. The duties do not apply to goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade. Canada is also being hit with Trump's steel, aluminum, copper and automobile tariffs. Natural Resources Canada said in July that wildfires are a global problem caused by the effects of climate change, including prolonged drought. Trump has called climate change a "hoax" and his administration dismissed all of the scientists working on a flagship climate report. Many Republicans point to the 2023 Canadian wildfire season, which was the worst on record. Fires blazing across the country that year sent thick smoke into the United States and even across the Atlantic Ocean to northern Europe. Canadian officials have warned that this year's wildfire season could shape up to be the second-worst on record. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, a non-profit owned and operated by federal, provincial and territorial wildland fire management agencies, said on its website that 744 active wildfires were burning across Canada on Wednesday. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said Tuesday that Canada's recent wildfires offer a "stark reminder" of the countries' shared challenges. In a statement shared by the U.S. Embassy, Hoekstra said the United States and Canada have "a long history" of supporting one another in times of crisis. "Canadians stood with us during the tragic California wildfires earlier this year, and we are committed to standing with Canada now," he said.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
More Republican lawmakers call out Canada over wildfire smoke
A helicopter battles wildfires near Coombs, B.C., on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito WASHINGTON — More Republican lawmakers are calling out Canada because of wildfires sending smoke billowing across the international border into their states. Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan has joined other Republican state lawmakers from Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota in filing a formal complaint against Canada to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Joint Commission. In a news release issued today, Callahan says that 'if Canada can't get these wildfires under control, they need to face real consequences.' He joins a chorus of Republican politicians at other levels of government who have been voicing concerns about Canada's wildfires. Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter to Canadian Sen. Michael MacDonald on Monday calling for stronger forest management policies and more accountability from Canadian officials. Michigan Rep. John James sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney last week saying his constituents are choking on toxic wildfire smoke. Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press
Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
More Republican lawmakers call out Canada over wildfire smoke
Published Aug 06, 2025 • 1 minute read This handout satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows an overview of the fires in Flin Flon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba on May 30, 2025. Photo by - / Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Tec WASHINGTON — More Republican lawmakers are calling out Canada because of wildfires sending smoke billowing across the international border into their states. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan has joined other Republican state lawmakers from Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota in filing a formal complaint against Canada to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Joint Commission. In a news release issued today, Callahan says that 'if Canada can't get these wildfires under control, they need to face real consequences.' He joins a chorus of Republican politicians at other levels of government who have been voicing concerns about Canada's wildfires. Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter to Canadian Sen. Michael MacDonald on Monday calling for stronger forest management policies and more accountability from Canadian officials. Michigan Rep. John James sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney last week saying his constituents are choking on toxic wildfire smoke. RECOMMENDED VIDEO World Celebrity Columnists Golf Editorial Cartoons
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
More Republican lawmakers call out Canada over wildfire smoke
WASHINGTON — More Republican lawmakers are calling out Canada because of wildfires sending smoke billowing across the international border into their states. Wisconsin state Rep. Calvin Callahan has joined other Republican state lawmakers from Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota in filing a formal complaint against Canada to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Joint Commission. In a news release issued today, Callahan says that 'if Canada can't get these wildfires under control, they need to face real consequences.' He joins a chorus of Republican politicians at other levels of government who have been voicing concerns about Canada's wildfires. Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter to Canadian Sen. Michael MacDonald on Monday calling for stronger forest management policies and more accountability from Canadian officials. Michigan Rep. John James sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney last week saying his constituents are choking on toxic wildfire smoke. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025. Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press Sign in to access your portfolio
