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Cision Canada
03-06-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Annual report tracks Canada's progress toward addressing the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Taking care Crisis support is available to individuals impacted by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line at 1-844-413-6649 (toll-free). OTTAWA, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TRADITIONAL TERRITORY, ON, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people is a national crisis that must end. Responding to this national crisis requires all levels of government to work in true partnership with Indigenous partners to advance their solutions to improve safety, support healing from trauma, and ensure justice for all, especially those most impacted. Guided by Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and families and survivors, the Government of Canada is driving meaningful change that reflects Indigenous voices and leadership. The 2024–25 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report outlines the federal government's progress to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice. To date, the Government of Canada has taken concrete action on the Calls for Justice and has made significant efforts to advance the National Inquiry's Final Report. Examples of progress include: A Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking was appointed with a mandate to collaborate with Indigenous partners to address the increased risk experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Over 90 Indigenous women's and 2SLGBQTI+ organizations received federal funding to increase their ability to prevent or address gender-based violence across Canada. Engagement and co-development of the Red Dress Alert pilot, an emergency response system for missing Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, in a collaborative initiative from Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba and Giganawenimaanaanig—an Indigenous organization in the province. 52 safety projects received support under the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative, supporting distinctions-based and 2SLGBTQI+ safety priorities in urban, rural, and Northern communities. 32 healing projects to provide culturally grounded supports for First Nations, Inuit and Métis families experiencing grief and trauma were supported by federal investments. More than 160 community-based projects were funded, and 14 regional First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations received continued support on the implementation of their long-term strategies to advance Indigenous self-determined priorities and Indigenous control over language revitalization, which is key to healing, identity, and addressing the root causes of violence. 37 new shelters and 36 new transitional homes have been committed for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people seeking safety. In the year ahead, Canada will continue working with Indigenous partners to deliver tangible progress and strengthen the systems that keep people safe, as an essential part of collective efforts to build justice, healing, and lasting reconciliation. Quotes "This year's progress report reflects our commitment to lasting, systemic change and shows the work done to support safety, wellbeing, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, families, and survivors, and communities. We're tracking outcomes, holding ourselves accountable, and working in full partnership with Indigenous survivors, families, and communities that are driving this change. The Calls for Justice will continue to guide our work as we advance reconciliation through Indigenous-led solutions and true partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis." The Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Five years have passed since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children. It will take all of us—Indigenous communities, all levels of government, and Canadians—working together to end this tragedy to protect Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, as well as the families and communities who love them. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to walking this path in true partnership: supporting survivors and families, and ensuring that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people have the power, voice, and space to reclaim their rightful place in our communities and in this country." The Honourable Mandy-Gull-Masty Minister of Indigenous Services "Ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people demands ongoing dedication and meaningful collaboration from all partners to ensure that everyone is—and feels—safe. While progress has been made through investments in housing, shelters, infrastructure, and essential services across the North and throughout Canada, much more remains to be done. We are working in partnership with Indigenous communities, northern regions, and all levels of government to confront the systemic issues and root causes of this violence." The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs "The safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people is fundamental to the strength and wellbeing of communities across Canada. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence—particularly Pillar 4, which centres Indigenous-led solutions—we are making progress. We know the work is far from over. The Government of Canada is committed to meaningful and lasting change." The Honourable Rechie Valdez Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) "Our government remains firmly committed to working with local leaders, provinces and territories and law enforcement to improve community safety in Indigenous communities. Our efforts are rooted in respect for Indigenous values, traditions and governance, and reflect our shared vision of safe, empowered communities where the approach to public safety is shaped by those who know their communities best." The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree Minister of Public Safety "Protecting and bringing justice to Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people is crucial to achieving meaningful change in Canada's justice system. We will continue to work in true partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, including through the initial implementation of the Indigenous Justice Strategy and continued support for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime, to build safer communities and move forward on our path of reconciliation." The Honourable Sean Fraser Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency "Culture is critical and foundational to the safety, pride and identity of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. Cultural revitalization and Indigenous languages are powerful tools for healing and empowerment, and an essential part of the path toward reconciliation. Our government remains steadfast in our support for the ongoing and important work to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages, being led by Indigenous Peoples, who are best placed to guide these efforts." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages Quick facts The Federal Pathway is Canada's contribution to the broader 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, survivors, families, Indigenous women's organizations, and provincial and territorial governments in response to the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (National Inquiry). The National Inquiry's 231 Calls for Justice vary in shared responsibility: 29 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon the federal government. 186 Calls for Justice collectively call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. 6 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon provincial and territorial governments. 10 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon non-government actors. The 2024–25 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report includes seven highlight reports that provide additional details on initiatives specific to families and survivors, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Urban Indigenous people, Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people, and Data. The third annual National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People was held on January 29 and 30, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario, to discuss continued engagement on the Red Dress Alert pilot, addressing gaps in MMIWG2S+ related data, and exploring strategies to combat human trafficking. Associated links Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: X: @GCIndigenous GovCan – North Facebook: @GCIndigenous GovCan – North Instagram: @gcindigenous GovCan North You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Annual report tracks Canada's progress toward addressing the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Taking careCrisis support is available to individuals impacted by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line at 1-844-413-6649 (toll-free). OTTAWA, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TRADITIONAL TERRITORY, ON, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people is a national crisis that must end. Responding to this national crisis requires all levels of government to work in true partnership with Indigenous partners to advance their solutions to improve safety, support healing from trauma, and ensure justice for all, especially those most impacted. Guided by Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and families and survivors, the Government of Canada is driving meaningful change that reflects Indigenous voices and leadership. The 2024–25 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report outlines the federal government's progress to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice. To date, the Government of Canada has taken concrete action on the Calls for Justice and has made significant efforts to advance the National Inquiry's Final Report. Examples of progress include: A Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking was appointed with a mandate to collaborate with Indigenous partners to address the increased risk experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Over 90 Indigenous women's and 2SLGBQTI+ organizations received federal funding to increase their ability to prevent or address gender-based violence across Canada. Engagement and co-development of the Red Dress Alert pilot, an emergency response system for missing Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, in a collaborative initiative from Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba and Giganawenimaanaanig—an Indigenous organization in the province. 52 safety projects received support under the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative, supporting distinctions-based and 2SLGBTQI+ safety priorities in urban, rural, and Northern communities. 32 healing projects to provide culturally grounded supports for First Nations, Inuit and Métis families experiencing grief and trauma were supported by federal investments. More than 160 community-based projects were funded, and 14 regional First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations received continued support on the implementation of their long-term strategies to advance Indigenous self-determined priorities and Indigenous control over language revitalization, which is key to healing, identity, and addressing the root causes of violence. 37 new shelters and 36 new transitional homes have been committed for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people seeking safety. In the year ahead, Canada will continue working with Indigenous partners to deliver tangible progress and strengthen the systems that keep people safe, as an essential part of collective efforts to build justice, healing, and lasting reconciliation. Quotes "This year's progress report reflects our commitment to lasting, systemic change and shows the work done to support safety, wellbeing, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, families, and survivors, and communities. We're tracking outcomes, holding ourselves accountable, and working in full partnership with Indigenous survivors, families, and communities that are driving this change. The Calls for Justice will continue to guide our work as we advance reconciliation through Indigenous-led solutions and true partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis." The Honourable Rebecca AltyMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Five years have passed since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children. It will take all of us—Indigenous communities, all levels of government, and Canadians—working together to end this tragedy to protect Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, as well as the families and communities who love them. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to walking this path in true partnership: supporting survivors and families, and ensuring that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people have the power, voice, and space to reclaim their rightful place in our communities and in this country." The Honourable Mandy-Gull-MastyMinister of Indigenous Services "Ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people demands ongoing dedication and meaningful collaboration from all partners to ensure that everyone is—and feels—safe. While progress has been made through investments in housing, shelters, infrastructure, and essential services across the North and throughout Canada, much more remains to be done. We are working in partnership with Indigenous communities, northern regions, and all levels of government to confront the systemic issues and root causes of this violence." The Honourable Rebecca ChartrandMinister of Northern and Arctic Affairs "The safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people is fundamental to the strength and wellbeing of communities across Canada. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence—particularly Pillar 4, which centres Indigenous-led solutions—we are making progress. We know the work is far from over. The Government of Canada is committed to meaningful and lasting change." The Honourable Rechie ValdezMinister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) "Our government remains firmly committed to working with local leaders, provinces and territories and law enforcement to improve community safety in Indigenous communities. Our efforts are rooted in respect for Indigenous values, traditions and governance, and reflect our shared vision of safe, empowered communities where the approach to public safety is shaped by those who know their communities best." The Honourable Gary AnandasangareeMinister of Public Safety "Protecting and bringing justice to Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people is crucial to achieving meaningful change in Canada's justice system. We will continue to work in true partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, including through the initial implementation of the Indigenous Justice Strategy and continued support for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime, to build safer communities and move forward on our path of reconciliation." The Honourable Sean FraserMinister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency "Culture is critical and foundational to the safety, pride and identity of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. Cultural revitalization and Indigenous languages are powerful tools for healing and empowerment, and an essential part of the path toward reconciliation. Our government remains steadfast in our support for the ongoing and important work to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages, being led by Indigenous Peoples, who are best placed to guide these efforts." The Honourable Steven GuilbeaultMinister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages Quick facts The Federal Pathway is Canada's contribution to the broader 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, survivors, families, Indigenous women's organizations, and provincial and territorial governments in response to the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (National Inquiry). The National Inquiry's 231 Calls for Justice vary in shared responsibility: 29 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon the federal government. 186 Calls for Justice collectively call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. 6 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon provincial and territorial governments. 10 Calls for Justice exclusively call upon non-government actors. The 2024–25 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report includes seven highlight reports that provide additional details on initiatives specific to families and survivors, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Urban Indigenous people, Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ people, and Data. The third annual National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People was held on January 29 and 30, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario, to discuss continued engagement on the Red Dress Alert pilot, addressing gaps in MMIWG2S+ related data, and exploring strategies to combat human trafficking. Related products 2024-2025 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report: Executive Summary 2024-2025 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report Associated links 2023-2024 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: X: @GCIndigenous GovCan – NorthFacebook: @GCIndigenous GovCan – NorthInstagram: @gcindigenous GovCan North You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Sunday World
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Sunday World
Canadian wildfires smoke reaches Ireland after crossing Atlantic
Forecasts show further smoke is set to reach Europe later this week. Other plumes of smoke have also gone as far as the Arctic. Smoke rises from wildfires in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. Photo: Government of Manitoba/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images Smoke from wildfires in Canada has crossed the Atlantic to reach Ireland, according to European Union researchers. Analysis from the EU's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring System (CAMS) has shown smoke originating from wildfires in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario has made its way across the Atlantic and reached Europe in recent days. Forecasts show further smoke is set to reach Europe later this week. Smoke initially made its way across the Mediterranean on May 18 and 19, and there were reports of smoke in Greece and the region around the eastern Mediterranean. Smoke rises from wildfires in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. Photo: Government of Manitoba/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025 A second, larger plume of smoke crossed the Atlantic in the last week of May and arrived in parts of northwestern Europe, including Ireland, on Sunday, June 1. Additional plumes of smoke are expected to reach Europe in the coming days. 'Wildfires are a frequent occurrence in boreal forests from spring and through the summer months,' CAMS senior scientist, Mark Parrington, said. 'Up to the beginning of June, our data is showing that central regions of Canada have experienced a very intense few weeks in terms of wildfire emissions. 'This data, and the fact that we are able to observe the smoke in Europe, is a reflection of the scale of the fires and impacts they have been having in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 'In CAMS we monitor events such as these in order to understand how they affect the atmosphere and air quality regionally and globally.' CAMS forecasts show the transport of smoke is not expected to have 'a significant impact on surface air quality' as the smoke is moving at a high altitude. Typically, the effects include hazy skies and red or orange sunsets. Air quality in Canada has been affected by smoke emitting from wildfires across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario and there was a 'significant increase' in both the number and intensity of the wildfires in Canada last month. More than 25,000 people in the impacted areas of Canada have evacuated their homes due to the wildfires, while US states along the border with Canada have also been affected. A state of emergency has been declared in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba for the next month. There are also wildfires burning in parts of far eastern Russia since the beginning of April, most notably in the Republic of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai near the borders with China and Mongolia. CAMS said carbon emissions in Russia's Far Eastern Federal District are at the highest level for this period of time since 2018. The wildfires in Russia have also impacted some areas further afield, with forecasts showing a transport of smoke from Russia towards northeastern China and northern Japan, impacting air quality in those regions. Other plumes of smoke have also gone as far as the Arctic.
New York Post
01-06-2025
- Climate
- New York Post
Canada wildfires cover eastern US in orange haze, raising air quality concerns
A series of wildfires burning across central Canada sent smoke billowing into the U.S. over the weekend, with few signs that the blazes will subside anytime soon. The largest fires are burning in Manitoba, but due to prevailing wind patterns, plumes of smoke drifted southward, reaching as far as the Gulf Coast. Advertisement Satellites captured stunning imagery as smoke appeared to embed itself around a storm system moving through the East. According to air quality readings across the Lower 48, the smoke was most hazardous across the Plains and the Upper Midwest, with moderate levels reaching as far south as Georgia and the Carolinas. Communities south of the U.S.-Canada border reported air quality index (AQI) readings between 200 and 400 – levels which are considered to be unhealthy to even hazardous. A value between 0 and 50 on the AQI scale is considered 'good,' while anything over 301 reaches dangerous levels. Advertisement 5 A handout photo made available by the Government of Manitoba shows a large wildfire spreading northwest of the town of The Pas in Manitoba, Canada, on Thursday. GOVERNMENT OF MANITOBA/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 5 A value between 0 and 50 on the Air Quality Index scale is considered 'good,' while anything over 301 reaches dangerous levels. Fox Weather Air quality alerts were issued for millions across the Upper Midwest, including the entire state of Minnesota, with authorities warning of additional waves of smoke for the foreseeable future. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency advised individuals with lung disease, asthma, heart conditions and other health concerns to limit their time outdoors. Advertisement Officials also urged residents to ensure windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent smoke from infiltrating homes. 5 Air quality alerts were issued across the Upper Midwest, including the entire state of Minnesota. Fox Weather Despite the high AQI readings and satellite imagery, most of the smoke remained elevated in the atmosphere, limiting ground-level impacts, at least for now. Across much of the country, the smoke primarily contributed to orange-tinted skies and reduced visibility for pilots. Advertisement The scenes were a stark contrast to 2023, when smoke from Canadian wildfires settled over major cities along the Eastern Seaboard, pushing AQI readings into dangerous territory. 5 This photo provided by the Manitoba RCMP shows wildfires in northern Manitoba as they assist with the evacuation of several communities. AP That year, fires burned a record 45 million acres – a stark contrast to the less than 2 million acres consumed so far in 2025. A contingent of more than 150 U.S. firefighters has begun arriving in Canada, with additional resources expected to be deployed in the coming weeks. 'We are here to help our neighbors during their time of need, and our Forest Service Wildland Firefighters are the best in the business. I am thankful for the men and women who are bravely stepping up to serve. We pray for their success as they fight fires and save lives,' U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said in a statement. 5 The smoke contributed to orange-tinted skies and reduced visibility for pilots. AP U.S. officials noted that while fire activity in Canada is roughly 40% above average, fire conditions in the U.S. remain near average. Advertisement According to the latest North American Drought Monitor, only 7% of Canada is currently experiencing drought conditions, which is down significantly from around 40% during the same period in 2024. Canadian authorities do not expect drought conditions to worsen significantly in the short term, as a series of weak storm systems are forecast to bring scattered rain showers over the next week. However, any system capable of producing thunderstorms brings an additional threat – lightning, which can spark new fires that can kindle for days before spreading.
Winnipeg Free Press
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Terrifying inferno threatens everything in its path including, hopefully, any remaining climate-change doubts
Opinion If want to see what climate change looks like in real time, look no further than the smouldering forests of northern Manitoba. If you want to understand how fast a threat can turn into a crisis, ask the residents of northern communities who have been forced to flee their homes. And if you want to know what the future holds if we continue down this path — it's in the smoke-choked skies, the charred earth and the mass evacuation orders issued across our province this week. Wildfires threatening Flin Flon on Tuesday. (Supplied / Government of Manitoba) For the first time in its history, the entire city of Flin Flon has been ordered to evacuate, owing to an aggressive wildfire that tore across the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border, advancing with such force that there was no time to delay. First Nations communities — Pimicikamak and Mathias Colomb — are also under mandatory evacuation orders. The flames don't care about borders or jurisdictions. They are consuming whatever lies in their path. Premier Wab Kinew put it bluntly and truthfully Wednesday. 'This is the largest evacuation in many Manitobans' living memory and this will require significant resources and co-operation from all levels of government,' he said after declaring a provincewide state of emergency. The scale of this crisis is staggering. Thousands of people — children, elders, families — are scrambling to pack up what they can carry, leave their homes behind and pray there's something to return to. These aren't just fires, they are forced displacements. They are trauma. This fire season didn't come out of nowhere. Manitoba (and the rest of the world) has been warming steadily for years. Winters don't freeze the way they used to and summers continue to set new heat records. The boreal forest that once acted as a great northern carbon sink is now drying out, weakening and, in too many cases, burning. We've talked about 'the new normal' when it comes to climate change, but there's nothing normal about this. It's not normal that the residents of a city such as Flin Flon — built around mining, industry and resilience — are now scrambling to flee for their lives. It's not normal that First Nations must evacuate on short notice with minimal resources, repeating a cycle of crisis and recovery that is disproportionately borne by Indigenous communities across this country. This is the real face of climate change. Not just melting ice caps and rising sea levels, but families forced from their homes in northern Manitoba. It's smoke warnings in Winnipeg. It's the rising cost of fighting fires that burn longer, hotter and more unpredictably than ever. The economic costs will be high and the emotional toll will be even higher. The worst part? We knew this was coming. We've known for years. Climate scientists have been warning that these fires — bigger, faster and more devastating — would become more common. Meanwhile, Kinew has requested help from the Canadian Armed Forces to assist with evacuations — a wise and necessary move. The emergency response has been swift, including from the Red Cross. Manitobans, as always, are stepping up to help wherever they can. Volunteers are mobilizing and the City of Winnipeg has opened arenas as temporary shelters for evacuees. We've seen before what Manitobans can do when we come together. During the 1997 flood. During the pandemic. During countless blizzards and droughts. We help each other. We rebuild. But we need more than emergency response. We need prevention. We need investment in firefighting infrastructure, in forest management, in early warning systems. We need to build communities that are resilient — not just in spirit, but in the concrete, structural ways that can protect people when disaster strikes. And above all, we need a wholesale shift in how we treat climate change. It can no longer be a 'future problem.' It's a 'right now' problem. Manitoba, Canada and the world must treat this like the crisis it is. That means bold action, not polite targets. Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. This week, Manitoba is in crisis. But it's a story that will play out in communities across Canada with increased intensity and danger going forward. This problem is not going away. The smoke will eventually clear. The fire will be brought under control. But unless we change course, this won't be the last time a Manitoba town flees in fear. This won't be the last time a premier pleads for federal support. This won't be the last headline of destruction and mass evacuations. Let Flin Flon, Pimicikamak and Mathias Colomb be the fire alarms we finally heed. Because this isn't just Manitoba's crisis, it's everyone's. Tom BrodbeckColumnist Tom Brodbeck is a columnist with the Free Press and has over 30 years experience in print media. He joined the Free Press in 2019. Born and raised in Montreal, Tom graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and commerce. Read more about Tom. Tom provides commentary and analysis on political and related issues at the municipal, provincial and federal level. His columns are built on research and coverage of local events. The Free Press's editing team reviews Tom's columns before they are posted online or published in print – part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. 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