Wildfire plan wants 50% of Canadians to act in response to climate change by 2025

Federal, provincial and territorial forestry ministers have established a national strategy to focus Canadians' attention on the risks of wildfires across the country.

British Columbia Forestry Minister Bruce Ralston, chair of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, says the wildfire prevention and mitigation strategy is a "call to action" to raise awareness, strengthen partnerships with First Nations and increase investments in fire prevention.

The plan aims to help achieve the national goal that, by next year, 60% of Canadians living in high fire risk areas are aware of the dangers, and encourage half the population to take precautions. concrete measures to better respond to climate change.

According to the federal Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, citizens will be able to hold their government accountable for the progress made over the coming years.

The strategy states that by 2025, all jurisdictions will “establish governance structures dedicated to prevention and mitigation” and provide training on wildfires in industries and communities.

Mr. Ralston notes that a working group has been created with provincial, territorial and federal representatives to decide how the strategy will be implemented.

He says further discussions are planned with First Nations and industry representatives, and the document will evolve as progress is made.

“We recognize that the challenges are great and that no one government, agency or community can meet them alone. This requires a global approach to society,” he argued.