In response to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires across Canada, the Government of Canada is investing in wildfire training initiatives to enhance fire management capabilities nationwide.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced today a $16.3-million investment over the next three years to support 25 projects through the Government of Canada's Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Training Fund.
"Today's announcement is part of our commitment to work collaboratively to reduce the impacts of wildfires. We are providing fast-flowing funding to support organizations, community leaders, and local governments and agencies to prepare for, prevent, mitigate, and manage wildfires," said Minister Wilkinson.
The funding will provide wildfire training to over 2,800 youth and community members in remote, rural, and Indigenous communities across Canada, strengthening local wildfire response efforts and creating new employment opportunities in wildland firefighting.
Some of the key projects funded through the FMWCC Training Fund include:
-
$329,109 for Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s project in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to train 25 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation, focusing on skills development and job coaching for the wildland fire industry. The project aims to build local fire management practices and improve community resiliency.
-
$499,330 for the Metis Settlements General Council’s project in Edmonton, Alberta, to train 320 participants in wildland firefighting, wildfire resiliency, and reconciliation, strengthening the involvement of Metis communities in wildfire management discussions.
-
$946,330 for Prince Albert Development Corporation Management Co. Ltd.'s project in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, to train 20 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation, enhancing regional fire management capacity in northern fire-prone areas.
-
$1,579,655 for Whitefeather Community Resource Management Authority's project in Pikangikum, Ontario, to train 144 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training, aimed at improving community preparedness and supporting Indigenous-led fire management approaches.
-
$1,999,999 for the Independent First Nations Alliance’s project in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, to train 50 participants and increase the capacity of remote First Nations communities to manage wildfires effectively.
"Wildfires continue to pose a growing threat to our communities. Northern Ontario has not been immune to these challenges, and we must ensure that our frontline responders have the necessary training to protect themselves, the lives of residents, and our environment," said Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt. "The Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program – Training Fund will help strengthen wildfire preparedness, including right here in Nickel Belt. By equipping firefighters with advanced skills, we are taking proactive steps to mitigate future risks and enhance community safety."
This investment is part of a broader federal effort to work collaboratively with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and international allies to reduce the impacts of wildfires and enhance preparedness.
"As wildfires become more frequent and severe due to climate change, it is essential that we equip our frontline responders with the training they need to protect themselves and our communities," said Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury. "Through this $16.3-million investment in wildfire training, we will strengthen Canada's ability to prevent, manage and respond to these growing threats."