Latest news with #EleanorOlszewski
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Climate
- Cision Canada
Canada Invests in Wildfire Innovation and Resilience Through New Centre of Excellence Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ - With wildfires impacting Canadians across the country, the federal government is taking action to prevent wildfires, mitigate their effects and boost resilience. The Government of Canada's first priority is protecting Canadians and supporting those affected by wildfire. Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, announced an investment of $11.7 million over four years to establish the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC). Funded through the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, the WRCC will serve as a national centre of excellence and virtual hub for wildland fire innovation and knowledge exchange. The WRCC will advance many of the actions in the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, agreed to by the leaders of the G7 this spring in Canada and endorsed by the leaders of Australia, India, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and South Africa. It will bring together domestic and international governments, communities impacted by wildfires, the private sector and individual experts to share knowledge, facilitate collaboration and accelerate the use of cutting-edge science and technology in wildfire prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response. It will also support Indigenous fire stewardship and the cultural use of fire, recognizing and respecting traditional knowledge as a critical component of wildfire resilience. Minister Hodgson also delivered the latest national wildfire forecast. Looking ahead, Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather forecasts point to above-average temperatures across much of Canada from July through August, with dry conditions expected to intensify in the coming weeks, particularly in the west and north. Based on these weather forecasts, Natural Resources Canada's modelling predicts elevated wildfire risk from Yukon eastward to northwestern Ontario and in Nova Scotia and eastern New Brunswick. By August, wildfire activity is expected to continue to increase and persist to well-above-average conditions over much of western Canada, with the highest fire danger in southern British Columbia. Throughout this wildfire season and beyond, Canada is coordinating cross-jurisdictional collaboration, supporting those on the front lines, protecting Canadians and equipping communities with the tools and knowledge they need to stay informed and stay safe. Quotes "Wildfires pose a real threat to the safety, health and economic well-being of communities across Canada. Our government is leading efforts to strengthen wildfire management and reduce wildfire risks in Canada. Today's announcement will allow us to advance our G7 commitments and prepare for future challenges by advancing wildfire knowledge and developing innovative ways to build resilience and protect Canadian families and homes." The Honourable Tim Hodgson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "As Canada's first-ever Minister for Community Resilience, I'm focused on making sure communities have the tools they need to prepare for and respond to wildfires. The launch of this centre reflects our government's priority to strengthen local capacity through research, innovation and practical support so communities are better equipped to face longer, more-intense fire seasons." The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada "This summer, we are witnessing the direct impact of climate change on communities across our country, as we are seeing an increase of wildfires across Canada. Collaboration, scientific research and improved technologies are essential in adapting to this new reality. As wildfire smoke impacts the daily lives of Canadians, I urge everyone to monitor the local air quality statements and warnings, using the WeatherCAN app, as well as checking the Air Quality Health Index in their area." The Honourable Julie Dabrusin Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Advancing emergency management means First Nations must be full and equal partners. This investment honours First Nations leadership, strengthening community readiness by prioritizing the sharing of cultural practices and the fire management expertise of the community. Together, we are building a more-resilient future for generations to come." The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty Minister of Indigenous Services "By integrating Indigenous fire stewardship, advanced technology and diverse knowledge-sharing systems from a place-based network to communities of practice, the WRCC aims to empower communities, academics, industries, organizations, individuals and others to work together toward transforming wildfire management in Canada." Glenn McGillivray Managing Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and WRCC Board Vice Chair Quick Facts The WRCC is a non-profit entity supported by several organizations, including core partners – the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and FPInnovations – and foundational partners – the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, Thompson Rivers University Wildfire and Forest Products Association of Canada. The establishment of the WRCC aligns with strategic direction to engage societal partners in addressing wildfire risks, as outlined by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers' Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy. The WRCC is funded under Natural Resources Canada's Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, which invests in programs and activities to enhance wildfire resilience in Canada and reduce wildfire risks in support of the National Adaptation Strategy. Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada Centre of Excellence for Wildland Fire Innovation and Resilience Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction FPInnovations National Indigenous Fire Safety Council TRU Wildfire Thompson Rivers University Forest Products Association of Canada Canadian Wildland Fire Information System: Monthly and Seasonal Forecasts Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy WildFireSat Kananaskis Wildfire Charter Wildfires – National Adaptation Strategy Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Redevelopment of Woodcroft townhouse complex to create three times as many homes
Ground was broken Wednesday for a project that will see 200 aging townhomes replaced by 700 new homes, about a third of which will be affordable housing. Brentwood Builds in the Woodcroft neighbourhood will be completed in eight phases. A 69-unit apartment building, consisting of 28 affordable units, will be built in the first phase. The majority of units will be rented out at market level to help cover the cost of the affordable units in a model the Brentwood Community Development Group calls self sustaining. The project received $2.3 million from the city's Affordable Housing Investment Program and $4 million from its Infill Infrastructure Fund, which is supported by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, as well as $6.7 million from the province's Affordable Housing Partnership Program. 'All three orders of government, private sector, and public sector all aligned because we understand that having a stable, affordable place to call home is absolutely essential for building inclusive communities, welcoming community, but also the success, the prosperity that we want to see in our city,' Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said during a press event on Wednesday. Brentwood Community Development Group bought the existing Brentwood Homes townhouse community at 139 Street and 115 Avenue in the 1970s and expanded it to its current size throughout the following decades. Redeveloping in established neighbourhoods is 'just sensible,' said new Edmonton-Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski, who is Canada's minister of emergency management and community resilience and also the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development of Canada. 'It helps us make better use of the space and of the infrastructure that we already have. And it's really the kind of smart, locally led solution that we need at this point in time,' Olszewski said. Sohi spearheaded an initiative for Edmonton to officially declare housing and homelessness an emergency in January. According to the city, one in four renters struggle to make rent. Jason Nixon, Alberta's minister of assisted living and social services, on Wednesday said that kind of declaration that doesn't come with an investment or action has the potential to only be symbolic, but that in this case, the province agrees significant investment is needed in social services, emergency services and housing. 'This is a critical component of the work that we have to do together, but also continue to be able to create a market in our province that allows builds to be able to keep affordable housing across the province. We've worked very closely with the mayor of Edmonton and his city council, as well as Mayor (Jyoti) Gondekdown in Calgary and her city council to create an environment that has now led the country for about two years straight.'
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Statement from Minister Olszewski regarding wildfires in Manitoba
OTTAWA, ON, July 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, issued the following statement: 'Major wildfires continue to spread in Manitoba, threatening communities and forcing the need for evacuations across the province. Yesterday evening, in my capacity as Minister of Emergency Management, I approved an additional Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Manitoba, this one to provide humanitarian workforce support for emergency evacuation and sheltering activities. The Government Operations Centre continues to work with the Canadian Armed Forces, federal and provincial partners, and humanitarian organizations to deliver the support Manitoba needs. On behalf of all Canadians, I once again wish to thank everyone helping to keep people across the country safe during this wildfire season, including firefighters, first responders, emergency management officials, humanitarian organizations and local volunteers. I am in regular contact with my counterpart in Manitoba. Our government will act fast if more help is needed.' Associated Links Stay Connected Follow Public Safety Canada on X, LinkedIn and YouTube Follow Get Prepared on X Follow Emergency Ready in Canada on Facebook SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Cision Canada
7 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Statement from Minister Olszewski regarding wildfires in Manitoba Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, issued the following statement: "Major wildfires continue to spread in Manitoba, threatening communities and forcing the need for evacuations across the province. Yesterday evening, in my capacity as Minister of Emergency Management, I approved an additional Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Manitoba, this one to provide humanitarian workforce support for emergency evacuation and sheltering activities. The Government Operations Centre continues to work with the Canadian Armed Forces, federal and provincial partners, and humanitarian organizations to deliver the support Manitoba needs. On behalf of all Canadians, I once again wish to thank everyone helping to keep people across the country safe during this wildfire season, including firefighters, first responders, emergency management officials, humanitarian organizations and local volunteers. I am in regular contact with my counterpart in Manitoba. Our government will act fast if more help is needed." Associated Links Stay Connected Follow Public Safety Canada on X, LinkedIn and YouTube Follow Get Prepared on X Follow Emergency Ready in Canada on Facebook
CTV News
11-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Ottawa and Alberta pen affordable housing deal, Calgary getting lion's share
The Alberta legislature can be seen in Edmonton, Alberta. (CTV News Edmonton) Ottawa and Alberta are teaming up on more than $200 million in affordable housing -- and Calgary is getting more than half. The housing was announced on Friday as part of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, with the federal government matching Alberta's contribution dollar for dollar. 'In Canada, responsibility for housing is a shared responsibility between all levels of government, so it really requires great cooperation and coordination,' said Edmonton MP and Prairies Economic Development Minister Eleanor Olszewski. 'This is one area where we continue to see pretty significant partnership between the province of Alberta and the federal government,' said Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon. Nixon said the province aims to add 82,000 units of affordable housing in Alberta by 2031, including rent supported units alongside new builds. 'Taking a unit on that it would be in the open market and creating a rent supplement for that unit creates an affordable unit that would not have been affordable before,' Nixon explained. 'From the perspective of the department, new and rent supplements are the same thing.' The announced funding will go to 25 new projects to create more than 2,300 new affordable housing units – defined as costing no more than 30 per cent of household income – across the province, including housing aimed at young adults, students and people facing homelessness. Calgary will get the majority of the funding, with more than $117.1 million going to nine organizations. Five Edmonton organizations will receive more than $41.4 million and projects throughout the rest of Alberta will get $44.6 million. No timeline was given on when the announced units would be completed or how many of them would be new builds versus rent supported units. According to the Seniors, Community and Social Services 2024-25 annual report, the province completed 388 new units and added 410 rent supplements last year. Since 2021, the report shows a total of 3,300 affordable units have been created and another 3,500 affordable units created through rent support. CTV News Edmonton has reached out to the province for more information on how it plans to add 82,000 affordable units by 2031.
