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Protecting Canada's Forests Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Leads Canada’s Wildfire Fight With record wildfire seasons, Canada is expanding support for provinces, Indigenous communities, and first responders while building long-term resilience. We sat down with The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski to discuss. What supports are in place to help high-risk rural and Indigenous communities prepare for wildfires? This year, wildfires impacted many rural and Indigenous communities across the country, and it takes a true team effort to assist these remote communities. Through programs such as the FireSmart initiative and funding that provides support for the purchase of specialized wildfire suppression equipment, in collaboration with provinces and territories, we help equip local first responders with the tools they need to fight increasingly challenging forest fires. We also work closely with and directly fund the actions of organizations like the Red Cross who play a key role in supporting evacuees from remote communities. For Indigenous communities, Indigenous Services Canada is on the ground and constantly working to ensure the federal government responds quickly in times of crisis and through the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) we directly support rebuilding and prevention efforts when communities are affected by wildfires. When local capacity to respond is exceeded, we’re always there to help and this summer we deployed the Canadian Armed Forces multiple times to successfully evacuate Indigenous communities threatened by forest fires. Our federal government is working collaboratively with provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to lead across the four pillars of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Beyond fire bans, how can Canadians directly support forest protection and wildfire resilience? It‘s a great question – an increasing number of wildfires across the country are human caused – and I think we all need to be aware of what we can do to help. Following provincial fire bans and restrictions is critical, but it’s more than just campfires that can be an issue. We also need to do things like ensure proper maintenance and use of heavy equipment and off-road vehicles, particularly
in regions impacted by drought conditions. These measures can help save lives and protect our communities, especially during periods of high fire risk. People who want to do more to protect their communities can also adopt FireSmart property management practices and take steps in their own homes to make their community more fire resistant. Taken together all these things make a big difference, and this kind of public education and increased risk awareness contributes to proactive, long-term wildfire resilience across the country.
Has the federal government considered new policies or frameworks that could centralize wildfire resources and expertise?
To read the entire interview with The Honourable Elanor Olszewski visit innovating canada.ca.
The federal government, in cooperation with provinces and territories, uses a number of tools to manage firefighting resources including the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC). CIFFC plays a critical role coordinating resources during wildfire season, for example moving firefighters and waterbomber aircraft from one province to another based on critical needs. This year is now the second worst fire season in Canadian history. As a result, we are actively looking at all options to strengthen the federal government’s approach to emergency management, so we are better able to respond to wildfires and other hazards like hurricanes, floods and cyber incidents. We are drawing lessons learned from past wildfire seasons and exploring models from all around the world to identify approaches that fit our federation. A new federal emergency management agency could lead and coordinate federal disaster response while ensuring that it is additive to the country’s overall emergency management capabilities and our collaboration with provinces and territories — not another layer of bureaucracy.
PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL ZIZKA
Celebrating Canada’s Forests: From Seed to Canopy Canadians are invited to celebrate National Forest Week from September 21–27, 2025 — a one-week national campaign led by the CIF-IFC.
Curtis Cook Executive Director, CIF-IFC
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Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC)
his year’s National Forest Week theme of “Roots of Resilience: From Seed to Canopy” is a fitting celebration of Canadian forests and the foundational role they play in Canada’s economy, environment, culture, identity, and well-being. From the tiniest seedling to the tallest tree, every stage of a forest’s life reflects resilience. Across the country, Canadians are playing a vital role in supporting forests as they grow and evolve to help these ecosystems thrive despite the pressures
of changing climate, wildfires, and other environmental challenges. “National Forest Week is a time to reflect on the roots of resilience that connect our forests, communities, and cultures across Canada,” says Curtis Cook, Executive Director of the Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC). “By working together to protect Canada’s forests and biodiversity, we help ensure that these vital ecosystems continue to support current and future generations — from seed to canopy.”
Forests are part of Canada’s identity and a foundation for a sustainable future. Through science and innovation, collaboration, and shared knowledge, we can ensure our forests continue to thrive for years to come. Join us for National Forest Week, September 21–27! As Canada's oldest forestry society (established in 1908) and the proud Voice of Forest Practitioners, the CIF-IFC invites you to celebrate our forest heritage and help raise awareness about this valuable and renewable
Visit cif-ifc.org to learn more about participating in #NationalForestWeek. This article was sponsored by Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada.
Publisher: Steven Buttar Business Development Manager: Luca Bidini Strategic Account Manager: Bryan Bilas Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.