From: Member of Parliament for Labrador, Yvonne Jones 

In the past year, Canada witnessed its most devastating wildfire season on record, leaving communities nationwide in ruins and forcing thousands of Canadians to abandon their homes, leaving behind all they possessed. However, amidst the chaos, our valiant first responders courageously answered the call, risking their lives to safeguard others. Additionally, thousands of volunteers from coast to coast stepped forward, extending a helping hand to their neighbors and communities in distress.

Budget 2024 heralds a commitment to restoring equity for all generations. This entails taking decisive action against climate change, safeguarding our communities, honoring the bravery of our firefighters, and ensuring that forthcoming generations do not bear the burdens of our inaction.

Today, as the Member of Parliament representing Labrador, I am proud to highlight the initiatives outlined in Budget 2024 aimed at supporting volunteer firefighters, fortifying Canada’s wildfire readiness, and assisting Indigenous communities in managing emergencies.

Here’s a glimpse of our endeavors:

- Doubling the Volunteer Firefighter and Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credits, boosting the amount from $3,000 to $6,000 for 2024, potentially saving volunteer firefighters up to an additional $450 annually.

- Allocating an additional $800,000 to enhance firefighting capabilities. This funding will facilitate the expansion of the International Association of Fire Fighters' training program, equipping structural firefighters to combat wildfires encroaching upon urban areas. This supplements existing funding aimed at fulfilling the federal government’s pledge to train 1,000 wildland firefighters.

- Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of Indigenous communities situated in remote regions, where the risk of natural disasters looms large, Budget 2024 earmarks investments in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples to save lives and fortify community resilience against wildfires. These investments include:

  - Over $145 million allocated to aid First Nations communities in emergency preparedness, encompassing the formulation of tailored plans to tackle natural disasters. This initiative builds upon the $260 million announced in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement to support wildfire response efforts in First Nations communities.

  - A provision of $20.9 million for fire prevention initiatives in First Nations territories. This funding will bolster the First Nations Fire Protection Strategy for the period 2023 to 2028, facilitating the distribution of fire alarms and extinguishers to residences and community facilities on reserves, alongside supporting fire-related educational programs.

  - A commitment of $9 million to assist Indigenous governments directly affected by the 2023 wildfires in the Northwest Territories. This financial support will aid Indigenous partners in reimbursing expenses incurred while providing cultural assistance to community members during the 2023 wildfire crisis.

These highlighted investments are pivotal in forging a safer, more resilient Canada. We are embarking on bold climate actions, fortifying our communities, and ensuring that our volunteer firefighters receive the commendation and support they rightfully deserve – and these endeavors merely scratch the surface of Budget 2024. In tandem with these measures, we are fostering economic growth, expanding housing initiatives, investing in healthcare, and creating sustainable employment opportunities, ensuring that each generation can progress toward a brighter future.

Quotes

"Climate change is an undeniable reality, and it's imperative that we fortify our communities in readiness. With Budget 2024, we are channeling resources into emergency management, championing our dedicated volunteer firefighters, and ensuring Canadians have the necessary support to navigate these challenging times. We shall persevere, united, and emerge stronger, together." - The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"The preceding year bore witness to the gravest wildfire season in Canadian annals, and the specter of climate change only amplifies the frequency and severity of such conflagrations. Hence, in Budget 2024, we are investing in the guardians who shield us, and in the tools indispensable for safeguarding Canadians, including Indigenous communities, against wildfires." - The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

"As we brace ourselves for what could potentially be another severe wildfire season, it becomes increasingly imperative to support those at the vanguard. Through augmented tax credits for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, and a steadfast commitment to bolster firefighting capacity and support vulnerable Indigenous communities, we are adapting to the evolving landscape of climate change." - The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Quick Facts

- The 2023 wildfire season in Canada saw over 235,000 individuals evacuated from their homes. By September 2023, 297 evacuation orders were issued nationwide, including over 95 Indigenous communities – surpassing the cumulative figures of the four preceding years.

- On May 9, 2024, officials from the Government of Canada unveiled an updated seasonal outlook for the 2024 wildfire season. Projections indicate above-average temperatures nationwide during spring and summer, setting the stage for another potentially active wildfire season and other instances of extreme weather. The warmer-than-usual temperatures last winter, coupled with drier conditions, may precipitate early, above-average fire activity in certain regions, notably British Columbia and the Prairies.

- Since 2019, the Government of Canada has channeled over $800 million into initiatives supporting wildland fire response, prevention, and mitigation.

- The Government of Canada's Budget 2024 was tabled in the House of Commons on April 16, 2024, by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.