As wildfires continue to impact communities across Northern Ontario, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and Air Canada Cargo are expanding their support for emergency response efforts by working alongside long-time humanitarian partner GlobalMedic.
In a press release Tuesday (Aug. 4), the airline said it is helping transport critical equipment and personnel to affected areas, ensuring aid reaches frontline firefighters, evacuees and communities dealing with the ongoing wildfire emergency.
Most recently, Air Canada Cargo transported 140 fire-resistant coveralls to Thunder Bay to help equip firefighters responding to active wildfires across the region.
In addition to moving protective equipment, Air Canada is supporting GlobalMedic's broader wildfire response by transporting the organization's teams to communities across Northern Ontario.
Those teams are distributing specialized Fire Skid Units to rural and volunteer fire departments. The units convert pickup trucks into rapid-response firefighting vehicles, helping expand local firefighting capacity.
Since the program launched in August 2023, GlobalMedic has distributed more than 700 Fire Skid Units across Canada and continues to provide additional support to departments battling active wildfires.
The organization is also assisting evacuees with wellness checks, mobile clinic services, emergency snacks and hygiene supplies. Longer-term recovery efforts will include support for local food banks and other community initiatives.
"Air Canada Cargo is honoured to partner with GlobalMedic to move essential firefighting equipment to Thunder Bay (YQT) to support efforts in fighting the wildfires in Ontario,” said Sebastian Cosgrove, director, global customer service, Air Canada Cargo, in a statement.
“Fourteen local fire departments will benefit from the fire-resistant coveralls and other goods while they actively protect northern communities in Ontario from these devastating wildfires."
The relief effort is also being supported by Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association (NOTO), which have joined Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation in raising awareness and support for wildfire relief and recovery efforts.
The Air Canada Foundation has also launched an employee fundraising campaign in support of GlobalMedic's wildfire response.
Funds raised will help provide additional Fire Skid Units, protective equipment for firefighters, assistance for evacuees and recovery initiatives for affected communities.