Leaders of the G7 have agreed to co-operate on efforts to manage the impacts of devastating wildfires, which are surging for another summer across Canada.
The discussions that led to the statement’s specific wording were not public. But governments of most G7 nations recognize the role of human activity in climate change, as well as the role of climate change in wildfire, with one notable exception.
Saskatchewan's ombudsman says Premier Scott Moe's government is failing to provide immediate food, shelter and basic information to fire evacuees, but officials say they're moving as fast as they can.
In January 2024, a brutal cold snap hit the Okanagan Valley after weeks of unseasonably warm weather. The extreme weather devastated the valley's vineyards, wiping out close to 98 per cent of the grape harvest. Winemakers raced to adapt, sourcing grapes from the US and Ontario while figuring out how to adapt for the long term.
In 2023, as Canada suffered through its worst-ever wildfire season, the federal government was looking at creating a national disaster response agency.
Security officials at the G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis say plans are in place, including the possibility of evacuations, if wildfires become a serious threat later this month.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is resisting an Opposition call to bring in the military to combat wildfires that have forced thousands from their homes.
The federal and provincial governments have announced they will match Red Cross donations to help those affected by wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
As Manitoba grapples with wildfires that have forced more than 17,000 people from their homes, the premier of Saskatchewan said Tuesday the situation is becoming just as dire in his province. Scott Moe said upwards of 15,000 people have had to leave their communities and more are likely in the coming days.