The NDP is calling on the federal government to create a national wildfire task force.

NDP Emergency Preparedness and Climate Resilience critic, Richard Cannings, sent a letter to the prime minister yesterday.

“Canadians are already seeing devastating wildfires, and we’re expecting even more this summer,” said Cannings.

“With families across the country already being forced to flee their homes, kids unable to play outside because of wildfire smoke, and communities stretched thin trying to fight these fires, Canadians expect their government to have a plan to keep them safe. But even after last year’s record-breaking wildfire season, the Liberals are delaying action. People can’t afford more delays when the worst of the wildfire season is around the corner.”

Dealing with wildfires falls primarily on the provinces and territories, with assistance from the military.

However, the NDP notes the Chief of the Defense Staff has recently said that the military won’t have the capacity to deal with this summer’s fires.

The NDP says a poll done in February showed that three out of four Canadians support the idea of a national wildfire-fighting force.

To learn more, visit BC NDP.