Canada, Quebec Announce Major Investment in Wildfire Equipment

ShaziaLifestyle

Montreal – With wildfires increasing in frequency and severity across Canada — impacting our health, economies, communities and wildlife — the Governments of Canada and Quebec are supporting Canadians and residents of Quebec whose lives and livelihoods are at stake.

Jonathan Wilkinson, with François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, announced a joint investment of $64 million over three years through the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Equipment Fund.

This joint investment is supporting Quebec’s efforts to purchase wildfire firefighting equipment, such as vehicles, drones and telecommunications equipment. By buying and upgrading equipment and hiring and training more personnel, Quebec will be better prepared to respond to wildfires and provide support when other regions in Canada experience high fire activity.

By working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the federal government is supporting the fight against wildfires in communities across the country.

“The Government of Canada is providing provinces, territories and partners with the support they need to fight wildfires. Today’s announcement with Quebec is part of our commitment to work cooperatively as we prepare to fight worsening wildfires. Through fast-flowing funding for firefighting tools, vehicles and personnel, we are helping communities to prepare for future challenges.” – Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Communities in Quebec are on the frontlines of the extreme weather events that are worsening as a result of climate change. We all saw the costly devastation that upended lives from the wildfires in recent years. With today’s announcement, we are delivering important federal investments to ensure Quebec firefighters have the tools and support they need to protect communities.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada