As wildfire season blazes across Canada, communities are facing unprecedented challenges from increasingly frequent and intense fires. In response, the Government of Canada is investing in the people and skills needed to stay ahead of the flames, ensuring that prevention, mitigation, and response efforts are stronger than ever.
On August 18, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a $540,300 investment through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Training Fund. This funding will support two critical wildfire training initiatives in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“Wildfires pose a serious threat to the safety, health and economic well-being of communities across Canada. Today’s announcement reflects our government’s continued commitment to train Canadians to fight fire in their communities. This investment helps protect Canadian families, homes and the environment — now and in the future,” stated the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
In Yorkton, Saskatchewan, $335,000 will go to the Yorkton Tribal Council to train 35 community members in wildland fire management. The program blends traditional knowledge and cultural burning practices with modern fire management techniques, equipping trainees to actively reduce wildfire risks in their communities. Meanwhile, in Manitoba, $204,800 will provide basic wildland firefighting training for up to 60 participants from the Rural Municipality of Piney and Buffalo Point First Nation, strengthening local capacity to respond effectively to fires.
“As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the country, we’re focused on making sure people have the support they need to stay safe. That means investing in firefighter training and helping volunteers build the skills to respond quickly and effectively. It’s one part of our plan to build stronger, more-resilient communities across Canada,” explained the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
These investments are not just about training—they are about empowering communities. By equipping nearly 100 residents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba with essential firefighting skills, the government moves closer to its goal of training over 2,800 wildland firefighters nationwide, far surpassing the original target of 1,000. For participants, these programs also open doors to employment in wildland firefighting, providing both career opportunities and community resilience.
“Firefighters across Canada are showing extraordinary courage as they work to protect lives, homes, businesses and communities from devastating wildfires. Their bravery is saving lives and supporting impacted communities across the country. These fires are a direct and growing consequence of climate change — becoming more frequent, more intense and more destructive every year. That’s why strengthening local firefighting capacity is essential to protecting the places we call home. Projects like this are critical as we confront the escalating threat of climate change together,” expressed the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Parliamentary Secretary Hogan also highlighted the latest national wildfire forecast. Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts above-average temperatures across much of the country through August and into September, with dry conditions persisting, particularly in western and northern regions. Natural Resources Canada’s modelling signals elevated wildfire danger across British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, the Prairie provinces, Ontario, and parts of Atlantic Canada, with heightened activity expected to continue in the west into September.
“Yorkton Tribal Council’s participation in this training initiative marks an important step forward in wildfire planning, response and recovery. First Nation communities are among the most vulnerable to wildfires, especially as the threat of climate change grows stronger. First Nations are the only people who, with the combination of their traditional knowledge and access to specialized wildland firefighting training, will be able to secure and promote resilient communities across their territories,” conveyed the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services.
For Canadians, wildfires are more than a seasonal challenge—they are a growing reality. The federal government’s latest training investments underscore its commitment to supporting frontline responders and equipping communities with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to stay safe in an era of changing climate and escalating wildfire risks.
