Ottawa/CMEDIA: Keeping in mind reportedly Canada’s first priority in protecting Canadians and supporting those affected by wildfire, Canada’s New Centre of Excellence is Investing in Wildfire Innovation and Resilience to prevent wildfires, mitigate their effects and boost resilience.
A joint announcement of an investment of $11.7 million over four years has been made by Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, to establish the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC).
“Wildfires pose a real threat to the safety, health and economic well-being…Our government is leading efforts to strengthen wildfire management…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,” Tim Hodgson has said.
“I’m focused on making sure communities have the tools they need to prepare for and respond to wildfires…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,” Olszewski has said
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, the WRCC will be serving as a national centre of excellence and virtual hub for wildland fire innovation and knowledge exchange.
WRCC advances 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.
The WRCC 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.
WRCC will also support Indigenous fire stewardship and the cultural use of fire, recognizing and respecting traditional knowledge as a critical component of wildfire resilience.
“Advancing emergency management means First Nations must be full and equal partners…Together, we are building a more-resilient future for generations to come,” Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change has said.
While delivering the latest national wildfire forecast, Minister Hodgson said 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.
“This summer, we are witnessing the direct impact of climate change…Collaboration, scientific research and improved technologies…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,” Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change has said.
Natural Resources Canada’s modelling based on these weather forecasts has predicted 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.
A non-profit entity, the WRCC is 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.
In addressing wildfire risks, as outlined by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy, the establishment of the WRCC aligns with strategic direction to engage societal partners.
Visit Canada.ca/wildfires for a complete list of links to various federal supports for individuals impacted by wildfires.
