Schreiner: A forest fire management plan could save lives

July 6, 2026

QUEEN'S PARK — Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to news that there are more than 70 forest fires burning across northwestern Ontario.

“As forest fires rage across Northwestern Ontario, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the fire rangers and first responders on the ground who are working to keep people safe and get control of the fires.

Already this fire season, hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate their homes and thousands more face severe health risks from dangerous air quality. 

We have seen record breaking forest fire seasons in recent years, and yet the Ford government continues to underfund the Emergency Forest Fighting Fund, leaving frontline firefighters underprepared and communities at risk.

It’s time for this government to properly fund a forest fire management and wildfire prevention program so we can proactively respond to the worsening impacts of climate change and invest in hiring more firefighters with fair pay and proper equipment to protect them from hazards while they keep our communities safe.”

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