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First Nations Stuck in ‘Spiralling Cycle’ During Wildfires: Federal Housing Advocate

On Monday, Federal Housing Advocate Marie-Josee Houle released a report warning First Nations face a "spiralling cycle" during wildfire seasons due to severe housing gaps and inadequate emergency management supports.
Pre-Existing infrastructure deficits and climate change exacerbate wildfire risks, Houle noted. A 2024 report found closing the infrastructure gap could generate $635 billion in economic output, though upgrades require $349 billion.
During the 2025 season, at least 83 communities faced displacement, with more than 40,000 people evacuated. The report notes evacuees faced poor treatment in hotels, where women and youth became targets for human traffickers.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak noted systemic gaps in emergency responses, citing instances where provincial governments ignored states of emergency for 10 days. Without provincial cooperation, federal responses remain stalled.
The report offers 10 recommendations to improve emergency governance, urging governments to shift from reactive responses to preventative, rights-based approaches. Houle emphasized traditional knowledge must be actively supported to protect communities.

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First Nations stuck in ‘spiralling cycle’ during wildfires: federal housing advocate

OTTAWA - First Nations are stuck in a "spiralling cycle" during wildfire seasons due to a lack of co-ordinated emergency management supports and a severe housing gap, the federal housing

2 hours ago·Toronto, Canada

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