Senate Study on Wildfires and Their Impact on Rural and Indigenous Communities
Official title: Examine and report on the growing issue of wildfires in Canada and the consequential effects that wildfires have on forestry and agriculture industries, as well as rural and Indigenous communities, throughout the country
Why This Matters
Live in a rural area or near forests? Wildfires are getting worse every year. Smoke chokes cities hundreds of kilometres away. Farmers lose crops. Forestry workers lose jobs. Indigenous communities face evacuation after evacuation. This study could shape how Canada prepares for and responds to fire seasons.
What Could Change
The Senate could recommend new federal funding for fire prevention and firefighting resources. Forest management practices might be updated. Support programs for evacuated communities could be expanded. The study may also push for better coordination between provinces and Indigenous governments during fire emergencies.
Key Issues
- How are wildfires affecting Canada's forestry and agriculture industries?
- What support do rural communities need during and after wildfire events?
- How are Indigenous communities uniquely impacted by wildfires?
- What can be done to prevent or reduce the severity of future wildfires?
How to Participate
- Visit the committee's briefs page to learn how to submit a written brief sharing your experience or expertise on wildfires.
- Check the meeting schedule to see when the committee is hearing from witnesses and whether public participation is possible.
- Watch committee proceedings on SenParlVU to follow the study's progress.