Question Period Note: Wildland Fires

N/A

• I acknowledge the impacts wildfire events have on communities and extend my sympathies to those impacted, including those who have lost homes, resulting in displacement of families.
• I recognize the coordinated efforts of everyone who provided support. The response highlights First Nations’ incredible efforts.
• Many First Nations remain at heightened risk. ISC supports First Nations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from events with increased resiliency, including through new multilateral emergency management agreements and the use of the Incident Command System.

Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP)
• ISC’s EMAP) helps eligible communities access emergency assistance services. EMAP provides funding to First Nation communities to build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond to emergencies using the four pillars of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery).
• Provinces and territories are responsible for emergency management within their areas of jurisdiction and therefore, have the expertise and capacity to deliver services on behalf of ISC. ISC works with provincial and territorial governments to ensure First Nation communities have access to comparable emergency assistance services available to other residents in their respective jurisdictions.
• ISC provides advance payments to eligible communities when responding to or recovering from emergencies, to ensure communities have the financial flexibility to effectively deal with emergencies, including wildfires.
• Canada’s wildland fire season, which has been linked to climate change, is lasting longer with more frequent and intense events. First Nation communities are particularly vulnerable, with 80% of First Nation communities being located in areas prone to wildland fire.
• Between April 1 and September 30, 2024, 91 wildfire events affected 84 First Nations communities, forcing evacuations and displacing over 15,469 people from 26 communities.
• Working with provincial partners, ISC funds the FireSmart program, which builds skills in First Nations communities to prevent and prepare for wildfires.

If pressed on wildfires in Alberta
• ISC extends sympathies to all affected by wildfires in Alberta.
• I am deeply concerned about the fire that has impacted Bigstone Cree Nation. My heart is with the community during this incredibly difficult time.
• ISC is committed to supporting the community through all eligible expenses related to recovery and rebuilding efforts, in alignment with their needs and priorities.

If pressed on wildfires in Saskatchewan
• ISC extends sympathies to all affected by wildfires in Saskatchewan.
•I acknowledge the urgent concerns raised by the Prince Albert Grand Council calling on enhanced supports from the province and federal government.
• ISC continues to work with the impacted First Nations to support emergency management efforts. Including through the advancement of new multilateral agreements and the use of the Incident Command Systems.

If pressed on wildfires in Manitoba
• I want to extend my sympathies to all affected by wildfires in Manitoba.
• In particular, my thoughts are with those in Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation who are evacuated due to wildfires, as well as others experiencing evacuations.
• ISC and other partners are working with community officials to support response and recovery efforts.

If pressed on Wildfires in Ontario
• I extend my sympathies to those who had to leave their homes as a result of the recent forest fires that forced evacuations.
• I want to recognize the ongoing efforts of everyone who is providing resources and support to help reduce the threat of immediate harm for community members, including the Canadian Armed Forces, who completed airlifting evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation to Red Lake and Thunder Bay.
• ISC will continue to work with affected First Nations to support First Nations preparedness, response, and recovery from natural disaster emergency events.

If pressed on preparations and budget supports for 2025 wildfire season
• ISC is working with First Nations to prepare for the 2025-26 season. ISC invests $42 million annually into capacity, mitigation, preparedness, and FireSmart projects in First Nations communities to reduce the impacts of emergency events.
• This figure includes $12.98 million to support over 290 Emergency Management Coordinator positions in First Nations communities, Tribal Councils, and other organizations.
• In 2023, the Government of Canada announced $166 million over five years in new funding to support First Nations in developing greater climate resiliency and reduce emergency risk.

If pressed on ISC’s approach to supporting emergency management on reserve
• The health and safety of all First Nations community members is our top priority.
• As our climate continues to change, the Government is committed to helping First Nations build skills and capacity to prevent and prepare for wildfires.
• When an emergency event occurs, ISC will reimburse 100 percent of eligible response and recovery costs for First Nations who have been affected. Further, ISC will continue to support the restoration of communities and assets in a manner that reduces future vulnerability and strengthens resilience.

If pressed on available supports to First Nation evacuees
• I recognize that displacement from home is deeply challenging; through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, Indigenous Services Canada ensures emergency supports are available to all on-reserve residents, to help evacuees feel safe, supported, and connected during a difficult time.
• These supports include accommodations, food, transportation, health and mental wellness services, incidentals, child-friendly spaces, and culturally relevant supports.
• To ensure equity, the Emergency Management Assistance Program aligns with provincial and territorial standards so that eligible First Nations evacuees have access to services comparable to those offered to off-reserve residents.