Latest news with #KananaskisWildfireCharter
Calgary Herald
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
It's time to change the conversation about the economy and climate change
Another devastating forest fire season is upon us and the eastern U.S. has been sizzling under a record-breaking heat dome. We can no longer ignore that climate change is the cause. Article content Our climate is warming due to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and Canadian families are now regularly paying the price: displacement, rising insurance costs, damage to property and, in extreme situations, loss of life. Yet, at the June G7 meeting, world leaders signed the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter without once mentioning climate change. Article content Article content Article content Meanwhile, Canada has fallen behind in meeting emission-reduction targets under the Paris Agreement — an agreement ratified by 194 countries designed to slow climate change. While the oil and gas industry is a major contributor to Canada's economy, it accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Canada's total emissions and is the main reason it is missing its emission targets. Article content Article content Corporate and political leaders have failed to come together to create a serious plan to reduce emissions from the oil and gas sector, while promoting stability in its workforce and economic prosperity more generally. Entrenched positions and political grandstanding have only resulted in ever-increasing emissions from this sector, while the climate change can gets kicked down the road. Article content A recent analysis of public opinion data on climate change by ( finds that while there has been a decline in public prioritization of global warming in part due to economic and sovereignty threats, 'most Canadians are worried about climate change and want governments and industries to tackle the problem.' Article content Article content How do we move forward constructively? Article content First, we must stop the rancorous way we debate the issues. People fleeing forest fires are not interested in the divisiveness and indignation that have characterized past interaction between oil and gas interests, environmental interests, and federal and provincial governments. Instead, honest dialogue and respectful debate will move us toward a shared vision faster than anything else. We need to bring together the best and brightest of all political stripes, Indigenous organizations, the for- and non-profit sectors, levels of government and civil society, all with the capacity to find common ground. Article content Second, provincial, territorial and federal governments must actively recommit to the targets we set under the Paris Agreement, because without setting the bar for emissions and measuring results, there will be no progress on climate policy. While the political conversation has recently shifted away from climate policy, the context for fruitful dialogue is improving. The long shadow of the United States is fading, giving way to an internal will to diversify our economy in preparation for the global economy of 2050 and beyond.
Cision Canada
18-07-2025
- 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
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
In the news today: U.S. smoke complaints, Vancouver safety review, weak condo market
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed… Republicans call on Canada to curb wildfires Six Republican lawmakers have sent a letter to Canada's ambassador calling for action on the wildfires, sending smoke billowing across the international border into their states. In a Tuesday letter to Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman, representatives Tom Tiffany, Brad Finstad, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Glenn Grothman and Pete Stauber of Wisconsin and Minnesota said their constituents are coping with suffocating smoke from Canadian wildfires. Natural Resources Canada said wildfire is a global problem caused by the effects of climate change, including prolonged drought. 'This is why the government of Canada, during its G7 presidency this year, led the development of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter — the first leader-level wildfire initiative aimed at preventing, responding to and recovering from wildland fire,' Marie Martin, a department spokesperson, said in a statement. The office of Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski has not yet responded to a request for comment. Festival tragedy prompts safety review B.C. wide Terry Yung says that when he attends Vancouver's Chinatown Festival this weekend, he'll enjoy himself knowing that the work has been done to make him and other attendees feel safe. British Columbia's minister of state for community safety said pursuing that sense of security was 'the foundation' of a report he released Wednesday making six recommendations on improving safety for community events in the wake of the April 26 attack on Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival, that killed 11 people and injured dozens more. Yung said the point of the report was 'not to look at one moment in time in the past which we cannot change.' 'I can't speculate what could or could have happened but what we can do in future to make us all safer,' he said. The report by former B.C. Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Hinkson recommends that all public events, regardless of size, should be supported by a risk assessment, and that a provincial events hub be developed for sharing information and advice. Weak condo market holding back move-up buyers While optimism is building in some parts of Canada for a rebound in the real estate market, condominium dwellers wanting to move up to a larger space face tough choices amid little sign of improvement for that segment. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have seen condo sales drop off, if not stagnate, in recent years following a rush of new supply opening up and plummeting investor demand. For some regions, that marks a divergence from the overall real estate picture. Many industry watchers are now forecasting a turnaround in the housing market in the coming months after the first half of 2025 was plagued by economic uncertainty related to tariffs and job losses. It's left those looking to leave condo life behind and upgrade to a house in a tough spot: sell now at a lower than anticipated value, or wait out the storm. Alberta to update rules on school library books Alberta's education minister is set to provide an update today on the development of new provincial rules for school library books. Demetrios Nicolaides announced in May that Alberta would be setting new standards for the books. He said the review came after his ministry became aware of four coming-of-age graphic novels in school libraries in Edmonton and Calgary. Nicolaides said each of the books contained inappropriate content, including graphic sexual material as well as depictions of molestation, drug and alcohol use. A government survey on the topic launched after Nicolaides's announcement found that the majority of respondents across demographics didn't support the government setting new standards for library books. South Asian music festival during Stampede For those who don't necessarily want to kick up their cowboy boots at the Calgary Stampede, there's Stampede Mela. It bills itself as the largest 18+ South Asian music festival in North America and begins Friday at Fort Calgary, not far from the midway ferris wheel of the Stampede itself. 'Probably about four or five years ago, we actually decided that we wanted to do something in the South Asian music space in Calgary because Stampede has become quite a big music festival scene,' organizer Amar Duhra said in an interview. 'Our goal was to bring some representation from the South Asian community. 'We want to bring a more multicultural approach to the Stampede instead of the usual rodeo-style country music.' N.L. bottle note found in Ireland 13 years later A romantic message in a bottle thrown from the cliffs of an island off Newfoundland nearly 13 years ago was found on a beach in Ireland this week — and the couple behind it are still in love. Brad and Anita Squires had been dating for about a year when they decided to end a quiet September picnic on Bell Island in 2012 by casting a message out to sea. 'Today we enjoyed dinner, this bottle of wine and each other on the edge of the island,' Anita wrote on a piece of lined paper before stuffing it into the bottle. Brad stood up and hurled it into the waters of Conception Bay. 'I gave it everything I had,' he said in an interview Wednesday. 'We didn't see it hit the water, it was too high up … I just assumed it smashed on the rocks.' It didn't. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025
Vancouver Sun
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Wisconsin, Minnesota Republicans demand to know what Canada is doing to curb wildfire smoke
WASHINGTON — Six Republican lawmakers have sent a letter to Canada's ambassador calling for action on the wildfires sending smoke billowing across the international border into their states. In a Tuesday letter to Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman, representatives Tom Tiffany, Brad Finstad, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Glenn Grothman and Pete Stauber of Wisconsin and Minnesota said their constituents are coping with suffocating smoke from Canadian wildfires. 'As we are entering the height of the fire season, we would like to know how your government plans on mitigating wildfires and the smoke that makes its way south,' the letter said. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The lawmakers said successive years of wildfires in Canada have undermined air quality in their states and robbed Americans of their ability to enjoy the summer. They pointed to forest management and arson as possible factors behind the fires. They did not mention climate change, which Natural Resources Canada blames for wildfire problems globally. The lawmakers urged Hillman to relay their concerns to Ottawa, in particular to Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Service. The Canadian Embassy in Washington confirmed it had received the letter and said it will be shared with the relevant agencies. Spokesperson Tarryn Elliott said in an email that 'Canada takes the prevention, response and mitigation of wildfires very seriously.' 'This is why the government of Canada, during its G7 presidency this year, led the development of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter — the first leader-level wildfire initiative aimed at preventing, responding to and recovering from wildland fire,' Marie Martin, a department spokesperson, said in a statement. The office of Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski has not yet responded to a request for comment. 'With all the technology that we have at our disposal, both in preventing and fighting wildfires, this worrisome trend can be reversed if proper action is taken,' the Republican lawmakers said in their letter. The letter pointed 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 warned last month that this year's wildfire season could shape up to be the second-worst on record. While fires have caused widespread destruction and triggered evacuations in multiple provinces this season, the threat appears to have eased somewhat recently. Veronica Bistodeau, an official with the city of Big Falls in northern Minnesota, said the air quality at the local Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp hasn't been too bad this summer. 'This year, it's probably been better than the last couple of years,' Bistodeau said Wednesday. The campground near the waterfalls on the Bigfork River in Big Falls has been hit by Canadian wildfire smoke in previous years. Bistodeau said she has seen people wear masks due to the smoke but is not aware of anyone cancelling a camping reservation as a result. Ottawa says that Canada's climate is warming faster than the global average and extreme weather conditions will become more frequent and severe, contributing to more widespread drought and wildfires. The letter comes at a tense time in the Canada-U.S. relationship, thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump's attempts to realign global trade through tariffs and repeated calls for Canada to become a U.S. state. Canada and the U.S. are looking to negotiate a new economic and security agreement by July 21. Trump has called climate change a 'hoax' and did not mention it in an executive order he signed in June on wildfire prevention and response. Trump blamed California for the state's recent wave of devastating wildfires, saying it mismanaged wildfire mitigation and its response to the blazes. The president has claimed communities can prevent fires by clearing combustible materials like fallen branches and undergrowth. — With additional reporting from The Associated Press Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Wisconsin, Minnesota Republicans demand to know what Canada is doing to curb wildfire smoke
Article content WASHINGTON — Six Republican lawmakers have sent a letter to Canada's ambassador calling for action on the wildfires sending smoke billowing across the international border into their states. Article content In a Tuesday letter to Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman, representatives Tom Tiffany, Brad Finstad, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Glenn Grothman and Pete Stauber of Wisconsin and Minnesota said their constituents are coping with suffocating smoke from Canadian wildfires. Article content Article content Article content 'As we are entering the height of the fire season, we would like to know how your government plans on mitigating wildfires and the smoke that makes its way south,' the letter said. Article content They pointed to forest management and arson as possible factors behind the fires. They did not mention climate change, which Natural Resources Canada blames for wildfire problems globally. Article content Article content The lawmakers urged Hillman to relay their concerns to Ottawa, in particular to Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Service. Article content The Canadian Embassy in Washington confirmed it had received the letter and said it will be shared with the relevant agencies. Spokesperson Tarryn Elliott said in an email that 'Canada takes the prevention, response and mitigation of wildfires very seriously.' Article content Article content 'This is why the government of Canada, during its G7 presidency this year, led the development of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter — the first leader-level wildfire initiative aimed at preventing, responding to and recovering from wildland fire,' Marie Martin, a department spokesperson, said in a statement. Article content Article content 'With all the technology that we have at our disposal, both in preventing and fighting wildfires, this worrisome trend can be reversed if proper action is taken,' the Republican lawmakers said in their letter. Article content The letter pointed 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.
