OTTAWA — NDP MP Gord Johns says the federal government’s announcement of Canada’s first national aerial firefighting fleet is an important and overdue step that follows years of pressure from New Democrats, wildfire experts, firefighters, and affected communities.

“For years, New Democrats have been calling on the federal government to establish a national aerial firefighting fleet because Canadians are living through longer, hotter, and more destructive wildfire seasons driven by climate change,” said Johns. “Today’s announcement shows that sustained public pressure works.”

Johns has repeatedly raised the issue in the House of Commons, including during Question Period in September 2025, where he called on the federal government to urgently invest in a permanent, sovereign aerial firefighting fleet to protect communities from escalating climate disasters. He also sponsored a parliamentary e-petition calling on the federal government to establish a national aerial firefighting fleet.

“Canada is facing record wildfires that are destroying communities, critical infrastructure, and lives, while creating dangerous air pollution that harms human health,” Johns said during Question Period. “Yet Canada still does not have its own national firefighting fleet.”

Johns welcomed news that Vancouver Island-based VIH Helicopters will be part of the new national firefighting fleet, alongside other Canadian aviation companies.

“British Columbians know the expertise exists right here on Vancouver Island,” said Johns. “The inclusion of VIH Helicopters shows Canadian workers and Canadian companies are ready to lead in protecting communities from climate disasters.”

Johns also renewed his call for the federal government to go further by building a permanent sovereign firefighting fleet through Canadian manufacturing and retrofit programs, including converting retired military aircraft into large airtankers.

“We will continue pushing the federal government to work with Canadian companies like Coulson Aviation to retrofit retired CC-130 Hercules aircraft into next-generation airtankers built here in Canada,” said Johns. “We have the skilled workers, the aerospace expertise, and the industrial capacity to build a stronger long-term wildfire response system while creating good jobs.”

“With another dangerous wildfire season already underway, leasing aircraft is an important step, but Canada also needs a long-term strategy that builds permanent domestic capacity,” Johns added.

Johns warned that governments cannot separate wildfire preparedness from the climate crisis itself.

“We cannot fight worsening wildfires while continuing to fuel the climate emergency that is making them more frequent and more severe,” said Johns. “If the government is serious about protecting communities, it must also take urgent action to reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.”

New Democrats are calling for a comprehensive national wildfire strategy that includes:

• Expanded aerial firefighting capacity;
• Investments in wildfire prevention and forest management;
• Support for frontline firefighters and emergency personnel;
• Partnerships with Indigenous communities;
• Long-term domestic firefighting capacity built in Canada;
• Stronger climate action to reduce emissions.

“Canadians are tired of governments reacting after disaster strikes,” Johns said. “This announcement is progress, but the scale of the climate crisis demands sustained action and long-term investment.”