Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns says a new Senate report on Canada's wildfire crisis backs many of the measures the NDP has been pushing for to improve the country's wildfire response.

Johns says the report highlights the need for stronger federal leadership and long-term planning as climate change leads to longer and more destructive wildfire seasons.

He notes one of the key recommendations is a permanent national aerial firefighting fleet, an idea he has championed for years through parliamentary petitions and advocacy efforts.

While the federal government recently announced Canada's first national aerial firefighting fleet, Johns says it needs to become a permanent, long-term resource.

The Senate report also supports better national coordination of emergency services. Johns points to his Motion M-12, which calls for the creation of an Office of the National Fire Administration within Public Safety Canada to improve cooperation between fire departments, emergency managers, Indigenous governments, provinces, territories, and municipalities.

The report also echoes calls for better support for wildland firefighters. Johns has introduced legislation urging the federal government to officially recognize wildland and forest firefighters as firefighters and public safety personnel under the national occupational classification system.

Johns also says the report reinforces the need for mental health support for people affected by disasters.

He has previously called for a national strategy to help survivors, evacuees, first responders, and others dealing with the long-term impacts of wildfires and other climate-related emergencies.

Johns says the Senate report adds weight to recommendations already before Parliament and argues Canada needs a comprehensive national wildfire strategy that includes permanent firefighting capacity, stronger emergency coordination, better support for frontline workers, and investments to help communities become more resilient.

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