OTTAWA — NDP MP Gord Johns says a new Senate committee report on Canada’s wildfire crisis reinforces recommendations New Democrats have been advancing for years to strengthen Canada’s wildfire preparedness, emergency response capacity, and support for affected communities.

“The Senate committee’s recommendations reinforce many of the solutions New Democrats have been advancing in Parliament, through motions, petitions, public advocacy, and direct engagement with government for years,” said Johns. “What’s needed now is action.”

As climate change drives longer, hotter, and more destructive wildfire seasons across Canada, Johns said the report confirms the urgent need for stronger federal leadership, national coordination, and long-term planning.

Among the recommendations reinforced by the Senate report is the need for a permanent national aerial firefighting fleet, a proposal that Johns has championed for years as part of broader NDP efforts to strengthen Canada’s wildfire preparedness and emergency response capacity. Johns has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, written to the federal government, and sponsored and tabled parliamentary petitions calling for the creation of a national aerial firefighting fleet.

Following years of advocacy from New Democrats, firefighters, wildfire experts, Indigenous leaders, and affected communities, the federal government recently announced Canada’s first-ever national aerial firefighting fleet.

“That announcement was an important step forward and a significant achievement for everyone who has been pushing for stronger wildfire preparedness,” said Johns. “But New Democrats have consistently argued that Canada needs a permanent national aerial firefighting fleet with long-term domestic capacity, not just a short-term solution.”

“The Senate committee’s recommendation reinforces what we’ve been saying all along,” Johns added. “Canada needs reliable, permanent firefighting capacity that can protect communities as wildfire seasons become longer, hotter, and more destructive.”

The report also reinforces the need for stronger national coordination of fire and emergency management.

Johns introduced Motion M-12, calling for the creation of an Office of the National Fire Administration within Public Safety Canada to improve collaboration among fire services, emergency managers, Indigenous governments, provinces, territories, and municipalities.

“I introduced M-12 because Canada needs a dedicated national body focused on coordinating fire and emergency management,” said Johns. “The Senate’s findings reinforce the need for better collaboration, improved preparedness, and stronger coordination among all levels of government and emergency services.”

Johns said the report also underscores the importance of supporting frontline wildfire personnel.

Johns introduced Motion M-33, calling on the federal government to correct the misclassification of wildland and forest firefighters in the National Occupational Classification and formally recognize them as firefighters and public safety personnel.

“Wildland and forest firefighters perform dangerous and essential work protecting lives, communities, ecosystems, and critical infrastructure,” said Johns. “They deserve the same recognition, protections, and support afforded to other firefighters. These workers should never have to fight for recognition while they’re fighting fires.”

The Senate report also highlights the lasting impacts disasters have on individuals and communities.

Johns introduced Motion M-20, calling for a national strategy to address the mental health impacts of emergencies, including wildfires, floods, and other climate-related disasters.

“For years, communities affected by wildfires have told us that the impacts don’t end when the flames are out,” said Johns. “Displacement, trauma, grief, and loss can affect people for years. That’s why New Democrats have been calling for a national strategy to support the mental health of survivors, evacuees, and first responders.”

Johns said the Senate report adds further weight to recommendations that have already been put before Parliament.

“This report confirms that Canada needs a comprehensive national wildfire strategy,” said Johns. “New Democrats have already put forward practical solutions, including a permanent national aerial firefighting fleet, an Office of the National Fire Administration, recognition for wildland firefighters, mental health supports for affected communities, and stronger action to address the climate crisis driving increasingly severe wildfire seasons.”

“Canada’s first national aerial firefighting fleet is proof that persistent advocacy can deliver results,” said Johns. “The next step is ensuring that capacity becomes permanent and is supported by stronger emergency coordination, support for firefighters, and investments in community resilience.”

“The evidence is clear, the recommendations are on the table, and Canadians expect action.”