Canada

US Lawmakers Criticize Canada Over Wildfire Smoke

Published JUL 11 2025

Story

Above: Fire and smoke are seen as wildfires continue to grow in Squamish, British Columbia on June 10, 2025. Image credit: Artur Widak/Contributor/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Facts

Six Republican lawmakers from Wisconsin and Minnesota sent a letter to Canada's ambassador on Tuesday demanding action on wildfire smoke crossing into their states, citing impacts on constituents' ability to enjoy summer outdoor activities and recreation.
CBC
The Energy Mix
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew criticized the U.S. lawmakers as "ambulance chasers" who are trivializing a deadly wildfire season that has claimed lives in his province, praising American firefighters helping with the crisis instead.
BBC News
CTVNews
Manitoba declared a state of emergency for the second time this summer with over 100 active wildfires burning, forcing evacuations of communities — including Garden Hill Anisininew Nation and Snow Lake — affecting thousands of residents.
BBC News
The Globe and Mail
Canada is potentially experiencing its second-worst wildfire season on record with over 2.5 million acres burned in Manitoba alone, while 526 active wildfires burn nationwide with more than 150 considered out of control.
The New York Times
CBC
CBC
The Republican lawmakers attributed Canadian wildfires to poor forest management and arson without mentioning climate change, while Canadian officials cite warming temperatures and drought as primary drivers of increased wildfire activity.
National Post
The Globe and Mail
Canada's embassy responded that the country takes wildfire prevention "very seriously" and referenced the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter developed during Canada's G7 presidency as evidence of international cooperation on wildfire mitigation efforts.
CBC
National Post

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The Spin

Climate-skeptic narrative

American families deserve to enjoy their summers without suffocating smoke ruining outdoor recreation and family time. Canada's poor forest management and failure to address arson are creating dangerous air quality that forces people indoors. With modern technology available, there's no excuse for this preventable crisis affecting American communities.

Fraserinstitute

Climate-concerned narrative

These politicians are shamefully exploiting a tragedy where people have died and thousands have been evacuated from their homes. American firefighters are heroically helping Canada battle these blazes while their own representatives play politics. Climate change, not management failures, is driving these unprecedented fires.

CBC

BBC News

The Energy Mix