In May last year, Jenny Saulnier experienced a harrowing ordeal when a wildfire broke out in her vicinity in Nova Scotia. Alone at home with her dog while her son and husband were away, she learned about a nearby house fire through social media. Little did she know that this small fire would turn into a massive wildfire, forcing her to flee her home.

Saulnier expressed her disappointment with the Nova Scotia government for their lack of emergency readiness. She vividly recalls how her family’s belongings were reduced to ashes, with only her son’s cherished hockey medal surviving the disaster.

Saulnier warns that climate change is a reality that is fuelling increasingly devastating wildfires, jeopardizing homes, families, and future generations. She emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent the recurrence of such catastrophes.

Joining her in this plea are a group of firefighters and Indigenous Peoples who are urging the government to provide better support for Canada’s wildfire fighters. They warn that if conditions do not improve, more firefighters will leave their posts as fire seasons become more intense and prolonged.

One such firefighter, Harold Larson from Vancouver, speaks from experience about the arduous task of battling wildfires. He emphasizes the need for better compensation and improved work-life balance for these brave individuals who risk their lives to protect others.

The group, under the banner of My Climate Plan, plans to meet with government officials to present their priorities and a petition signed by approximately 6,500 supporters. They demand better equipment, training, and pay for wildfire fighters, and a commitment to combat climate change by transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

This summer, wildfires forced the evacuation of thousands of people across the country, with towns like Jasper, Alta., bearing the brunt of the destruction.

Adam Lynes-Ford, co-founder of My Climate Plan, highlights the escalating intensity of wildfires, which are causing significant damage, threatening communities, and straining public health resources.

Rosalie Yazzie, a member of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and a fire evacuee, calls for the federal government to support Indigenous-led solutions, including controlled burns for forest management and increased collaboration in emergency response and fire management.

In conclusion, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires are a clear signal of the urgent need to address climate change and provide better support for those on the front lines of these disasters. It’s time for action, for the sake of our homes, our families, and our future generations.