Press Release
From: Natural Resources Canada
January 24, 2025
With wildfires increasing in frequency and severity across Canada — impacting our health, economies, communities and wildlife — the Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are supporting Canadians whose lives and livelihoods are at stake.
Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Honourable Jay Macdonald, Northwest Territories’ Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced a joint investment of over $10.3 million over five years through the Government of Canada’s Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program.
This joint investment will support wildfire preparation through the application of FireSmart practices in the Northwest Territories. This will help prevent wildfires and mitigate their impacts at the community level.
By working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the federal government is supporting the fight against wildfires in communities across the country.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is providing provinces, territories and partners with the support they need to fight wildfires. Today’s announcement with the Northwest Territories is part of our commitment to work cooperatively as we prepare to fight worsening wildfires. Through fast-flowing funding for firefighting tools, vehicles and personnel, we are helping to help communities prepare for future challenges.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Canadians from coast to coast to coast have felt the effects of a changing climate. The growing intensity and speed of wildfires is one of these effects. That is why this federal government will continue to provide timely and tangible support to help communities prepare for wildfires. I am pleased that today’s funding of over $10.3 million will support the efforts in the Northwest Territories in fire management for wildfire seasons to come.”
Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories
“As we face the increasing challenges posed by wildfires, the GNWT is committed to swift, impactful action. This investment not only helps launch new programs but also strengthens our collaboration with communities in advancing effective fuel management projects. Together, we will enhance our preparedness and wildfire resilience, ensuring that the Northwest Territories is ready for emergencies.”
The Honourable Jay Macdonald
Northwest Territories’ Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick facts
o Developed an enhanced public education program, which involved a team travelling across the territory to provide public education on FireSmart initiatives.
Associated links
Contacts
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6096
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Joanna Sivasankaran
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Joanna.Sivasankaran@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Forest Management Division
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
NWTFire_Info@gov.nt.ca
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