First Nations slam Ontario's lack of commitment to publicly review wildfire response
First Nations leaders say Ontario’s internal review is not enough after 14 communities evacuated and more than 2,000 people remain displaced.
- On Thursday, First Nations leaders gathered in TORONTO to condemn Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government, demanding a public inquiry into the province's wildfire response and refusing to accept an internal review.
- Indigenous leaders cited poor communication and failure to warn communities of fast-moving fires that destroyed Whitewater First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation, forcing residents to evacuate without provincial guidance.
- Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris defended the government's response, noting more than 150 crews are suppressing flames aided by firefighters from Mexico and Prince Edward Island. The province budgets about $150 million annually for wildfire management.
- Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley proposed a First Nations-led wildfire authority, suggesting "First Nations would share jurisdictions alongside federal and provincial agencies" and pushing for improved evacuation strategies and stable, multi-year funding.
- Currently, 159 wildfires are still raging with 30 burning out of control, as more than 2,000 people remain displaced from their communities. Early estimates show this season ravaged more of Ontario's forests than any previous year on record.
31 Articles
31 Articles
NiagaraFallsReview.ca
The RecordNDP supports First Nations’ call for inquiry into wildfire response
TORONTO — The Ontario NDP and Indigenous leaders on Thursday afternoon repeated their call for a public inquiry into the province’s handling of wildfires.
First Nations leaders call for public inquiry into Ontario wildfire response
First Nations leaders condemned Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government for its lack of commitment to hold a public inquiry on the devastating wildfires in the northwest, or even release the province's debrief. In calling for a public inquiry, First Nations have said the province failed to warn them in advance of several fast-moving fires, which destroyed two communities, and that communication with the province have been poor to non-existent. S…
Northern Ontario First Nations leaders criticize province's wildfire response
Northern Ontario First Nations leaders are renewing calls for a public inquiry into this year's wildfire response, saying governments need to invest more in resources and include Indigenous communities in decision-making.
First Nations slam Ontario's lack of commitment to publicly review wildfire response
First Nations leaders condemned Ontario's refusal to hold a public inquiry into devastating northwestern wildfires, saying the province failed to warn communities, while Minister Harris cited improving conditions and pledged only an internal review.
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