Structures and trees burned by the Bush Creek East Wildfire are seen near Lee Creek, B.C., on Monday, September 11, 2023. Canadian federal, provincial and territorial forestry ministers have signed on to a national strategy they say aims to raise awareness of wildfire risks across the country. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Forest ministers from across Canada have committed to a national strategy aimed at increasing wildfire risk awareness. B.C. Forests Minister Bruce Ralston, leading the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, emphasized the strategy's goals to boost awareness, enhance partnerships with First Nations, and increase investments in fire prevention.
The plan sets a target for 2025, aiming for 60% of Canadians in high-risk areas to be aware of wildfire dangers, with half of the population taking steps to address climate change. Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson highlighted that these goals will enable Canadians to track their governments' progress.
The strategy calls for all regions to establish dedicated governance structures for prevention and mitigation and to implement targeted wildfire training across various sectors by 2025. A working group comprising provincial, territorial, and federal officials will oversee the strategy's implementation. Continued discussions with First Nations and industry representatives are planned to ensure the strategy evolves as needed.
Ralston underscored the necessity of a collective effort, stating that addressing these challenges requires involvement from all sectors of society.
