Sunday June 1, 2025 | NATIONAL NEWS reporting from VICTORIA, BC [Posted at 6 am PT | Updated at 7:35 am PT]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The federal government’s Incident Response Group was convened on May 30 by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
He met with ministers and senior officials to address what his news release called “the escalating 2025 wildfire situation affecting many parts of the country, particularly Western Canada”.
The group was briefed on the government’s support to affected communities, including the mobilization of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to support air evacuations in Manitoba, notably in the community of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.
“The scale and complexity of these air evacuations cannot be overstated – and neither can the unwavering dedication of the teams executing them,” it was stated in a release from the Prime Minister’s office.
The Prime Minister has been in close contact with the Premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Various arms of the federal government are working with premiers and the Canadian Armed Forces. All orders of government are engaged, including with Indigenous leadership.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe held a media availability yesterday where he noted the support of various sectors and provinces, including air bomber services from British Columbia.
Yesterday BC Premier David Eby said BC Wildfire is helping out in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Eby said that the wildfire situation will likely be a topic at the Premiers table on June 2 in Saskatoon; BC will be represented by Deputy Premier and Attorney General Niki Sharma.
Manitoba has seen thousands of evacuees from areas impacted by large fires.
Partnering with Canadian Red Cross:
Prime Minister Carney shared that the government will partner with the Canadian Red Cross to match donations and will work with provincial partners to provide essential services to people who are impacted, including temporary lodging, clothing and food.
The Prime Minister emphasized emergency management support to all those affected, including First Nations communities. He also expressed gratitude to first responders, Canadian Armed Forces members, and local officials on the ground.
The Prime Minister affirmed that the government stands ready to mobilize additional federal support wherever needed and in all aspects.
Associated Government Links
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NEWS SECTIONS: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & SAFETY | CANADA-NATIONAL | WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT