Press Release
From: Natural Resources Canada
January 29, 2025
With wildfires increasing in frequency and severity across Canada — impacting our health, economies, communities and wildlife — the Governments of Canada and Quebec are supporting Canadians and residents of Quebec whose lives and livelihoods are at stake.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, with François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, announced a joint investment of $64 million over three years through the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Equipment Fund.
This joint investment is supporting Quebec’s efforts to purchase wildfire firefighting equipment, such as vehicles, drones and telecommunications equipment. By buying and upgrading equipment and hiring and training more personnel, Quebec will be better prepared to respond to wildfires and provide support when other regions in Canada experience high fire activity.
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 Quebec 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 communities to prepare for future challenges.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Communities in Quebec are on the frontlines of the extreme weather events that are worsening as a result of climate change. We all saw the costly devastation that upended lives from the wildfires in recent years. With today’s announcement, we are delivering important federal investments to ensure Quebec firefighters have the tools and support they need to protect communities.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada
“The 2023 forest fire season was very significant for Quebecers. We have invested substantial sums in recent years, notably in the last Quebec budget, to acquire equipment and build capacity in the field and in training. This funding will enable us to build on our past investments and better protect the communities living near the affected areas.”
François Bonnardel
Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region
Quick facts
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
Maxime Bélanger
Director of Communications and Spokesperson
Office of the Minister of Public Security
438-838-3952
maxime.belanger@msp.gouv.qc.ca
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