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CTV News
28 minutes ago
- CTV News
Amid wildfires, air quality awareness is critical for everyone: expert
Air quality expert Jeffrey Brook discusses wildfire smoke, its impact, how long it may last, and how we can adapt to the new normal. As smoke from Manitoba wildfires prompts air quality warnings in four provinces, one expert says increased awareness on the impacts is necessary. 'One of the things that all of us need to do is be aware of the smoke and aware of risks of the smoke and aware of where they can get information on how the levels are going to be,' air quality expert Jeffrey Brook told CTV News Channel in an interview Saturday. 'Often, that's the air quality health index that they have to pay more and more attention to.' Increased awareness on the impacts of smoke is critical given the severity of the air quality in certain areas, he said. According to Environment Canada, there are currently 281 active air quality warnings across Canada. While the poorest air quality is seen in many parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, smoke from the wildfires is also currently affecting most of northern Ontario, as well as some parts of Quebec. 'It's extremely high levels of particulate matter, tiny particles that get deep and down to people's lungs. They're hazardous.' As a result of the smoke, individuals may experience symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, according to Environment Canada. In more serious cases, symptoms may include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. The agency is advising individuals to limit their time spent outdoors and to consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities. In Manitoba, there are currently 107 active fires across the province, prompting multiple evacuations, according to the province's latest wildfire update. These active fires bring the summer's total to 270 wildfires, to date. On Thursday, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew placed the province under a second state of emergency this summer. The state of emergency remains in effect until August 9 and may be extended, according to the province. 'This fire season, Manitoba is seeing over 10 times the number of hectares burning compared to the average fire season,' Kinew wrote in a press release. As wildfire smoke continues to impact many parts of Canada, Brook said Canadians might have to continue to become more aware of the impacts of wildfire smoke. 'Things are getting drier and getting warmer,' he said. 'As many people have said, this is kind of the new normal and we're sort of in real time adapting to what our world looks like when it's warmer and hotter and drier.'
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
‘Bring people together': pow-wow in Kahnawake marks 35 years since Oka Crisis
Thirty-five years after the start of the Oka Crisis, the Kahnawake Pow Wow aims to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Allison Deer attends the pow-wow in Kahnawake every year. 'It's an opportunity for us to bring people together, to share culture,' the elder says, adding that she makes sure to bring her family along, including her granddaughter. As sounds of the drums filled the air on Saturday, dancers moved with the rhythm for a celebration of Indigenous culture. But on Deer's mind, it takes her back 35 years to the Oka Crisis when on July 11, 1990, the Sûreté du Québec and Mohawks of Kanesatake and Kahnawake met at barricades following plans to build a golf course on land known as the Pines. There was a 78-day standoff between police, the military and the Mohawk community. Deer, who was 29 at the time, says she knew what she had to do. 'Drop what you're doing. We are going to that front line,' she recalled. Her granddaughter, Iakotonhnhetshera':ion Marquis, feels proud of her. 'I've grown up my whole life hearing stories about it, hearing experiences,' Marquis said. Elder Joe Deom was a spokesperson during the crisis. 'It's important that our people know about the history and understand that we can't allow this to happen again,' Deom said. The pow-wow is a way to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and Deer says 'we can always remember to bring people together, not divide.' And for the young ones who might not fully understand its significance, the pow-wow is a chance to learn about their traditions.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Heat warning issued for parts of Nova Scotia
An extended period of hot and humid weather is on the way for parts of Nova Scotia. Environment Canada issued a heat warning Sunday afternoon for Digby, Annapolis, and Kings counties. It said the alert will likely be expanded to much of mainland Nova Scotia as the humid air mass moves through. The hot weather is expected from Monday through Thursday. The weather agency said maximum daytime temperatures of 29 to 33 C are expected with a humidex up to 37. Minimum overnight temperatures will be in the range of 16 to 20 C. The hottest days are expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday. Taking precautions during extreme heat During periods of extreme heat, Environment Canada said people should drink water often and before they begin to feel thirsty. 'Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park,' reads the alert. It said people should also close blinds or shades, and open windows if it is cooler outside than inside. People should also plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day and limit sun exposure as much as possible. Watch for warning signs Environment Canada said people should 'take action' to protect themselves during extreme heat. 'Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day,' the agency said in the alert. It also noted people should watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion, which include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. People should stop whatever activity they are doing and drink water. In terms of heat stroke, Environment Canada said it is a medical emergency and to call 911 or a health care provider. Signs of heat stroke include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
