Question Period Note: Wildland Fires

N.A.

• I want to acknowledge the impacts that wildfire events have on communities and I extend my sympathies to those impacted.
• The 2025 wildfire season was Canada’s second worst on record, and ISC recognizes the coordinated efforts of all who provided support. These response efforts highlight First Nations’ incredible resilience.
• Many First Nations are at high risk of experiencing the impacts of emergency events and ISC supports First Nations to build resiliency, prepare for all-hazards and respond to them.

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 Nations communities are particularly vulnerable, with 80% of First Nations communities being located in areas prone to wildland fire.
• Between April 1 and August 20, 2025, 119 wildfire events affected 95 First Nations communities, forcing evacuations and displacing over 44,852 people from 60 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 communities impacted by wildfires
• I extend my sympathies to all affected by wildfires.
• In particular, my thoughts are with those in various communities who evacuated due to wildfires, those who have lost homes, and those who experienced the displacement of their families.
• ISC will continue to work with affected First Nations to support First Nations’ preparedness, response, and recovery from natural disaster emergency events in alignment with their needs and priorities. If pressed on preparations and budget supports for 2026 wildfire season
• ISC works with First Nations to prepare for wildfire season each year. 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 300 Emergency Management Coordinator positions in First Nations communities, Tribal Councils, and other organizations.
• In 2023, the Government of Canada committed $166 million over five years in new funding to support First Nations in developing greater climate resiliency and reduce emergency risk. If pressed on Manitoba wildfires
• I extend my deepest sympathies to those experienced the impacts of the 2025 wildfire events in Manitoba, which experienced its worst wildfire season on record in the past 30 years.
• When an emergency event occurs, ISC reimburses 100 percent of eligible response and recovery costs for First Nations who have been affected.
• Through the development of multilateral emergency management service agreements, ISC is working closely with First Nations communities, the Province of Manitoba and the Canadian Red Cross to improve emergency management service delivery for First Nations in Manitoba. If pressed on the 2025 Auditor General Follow-up Report on Programs for First Nations
• Since the 2022 audit, Indigenous Services Canada has implemented measures to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and accountability in emergency management.
• The Department is working with First Nations, provinces, territories and other partners to enhance emergency management for First Nations communities in areas such as multilateral emergency management service agreements, community preparedness and capacity and mitigation initiatives.
• First Nations communities across the country can be assured that measures are in place to support their communities in the event of an emergency. 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 emergencies such as wildfires.
• When a natural disaster or health emergency event occurs, ISC reimburses 100 percent of eligible response and recovery costs for First Nations who have been affected. Further, ISC supports the restoration of communities and assets in a manner that reduces future vulnerability and strengthens resilience. If pressed on EMAP comparability to DFAA
• ISC works closely with Public Safety and other federal departments to ensure that all Canadians are supported in the face of emergency events.
• ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program provides comprehensive emergency management supports for First Nations communities to ensure that Indigenous communities receive emergency support that is equitable and responsive to their unique needs.
• ISC and Public Safety work closely and collaboratively to ensure consistency and equity in federal disaster recovery supports and align reimbursement practices without duplication. If pressed on available supports to First Nations evacuees
• I recognize that displacement from home is deeply challenging; 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, ISC’s 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. If pressed on safety of Indigenous women and girls
• The safety of evacuees during a wildfire evacuation is a priority. We are committed to working with communities and partners to understand how to better support those at greatest risk, including Indigenous women and girls.
• Guided by the findings of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls, emergency evacuations are informed by considerations around safety and wellness.
• We will work with communities and partners to support the wellness and safety of all members, and take steps to mitigate risks and equitably support evacuees.