THUNDER BAY — Premier Doug Ford and Thunder Bay–Superior North MP Patty Hajdu delivered a message of cooperation Saturday as northwestern Ontario continues to battle one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent memory, while also emphasizing strong federal-provincial collaboration in responding to the emergency.
Speaking at a news conference in Thunder Bay, Ford praised frontline emergency responders and said all levels of government are focused on protecting residents forced from their homes by advancing wildfires.
“This is collaboration at its best,” Ford said. “We say collaboration, cooperation and communication. We’re all working together.”
Ontario is currently dealing with 191 active wildland fires, including 73 that remain out of control. Ten communities have already been evacuated, while several others remain under evacuation warnings or are preparing for possible evacuation orders.
Ford highlighted the scale of the response, noting that approximately 155 fire crews and 80 water bombers and helicopters are currently deployed. He also credited Ontario Provincial Police officers for carrying out dozens of rescue missions involving hundreds of stranded campers and residents.
The premier said the province is working closely with Ottawa and the Canadian Armed Forces to coordinate transportation, accommodations and support services for evacuees.
“We’re also working across government and with our federal partners and the Canadian Armed Forces to establish transportation and accommodation, food and registration services,” he said.
Queen’s Park and Ottawa work together to respond to the wildfire emergency
Hajdu, who joined Ford at the event, said Canadians should be reassured by the level of cooperation taking place behind the scenes.
“Canada is working very efficiently with Ontario and has been since the beginning of the fire season,” Hajdu said.
She added that federal Emergency Preparedness officials have maintained close communication with Ontario counterparts throughout the crisis and that the federal government remains prepared to provide whatever support is required.
“The Prime Minister wants to be very clear that we’ll be there to support Ontario,” Hajdu said. “We’ll be there to work hand-in-glove with Ontario to make sure that we protect people and we protect our region.”
Hajdu warned that political divisions can make an already stressful situation worse for residents facing evacuation orders and uncertainty.
“A lot of people, rightly so, are afraid,” she said. “They’re scared about their lives, their pets, their property, the future, the ability to breathe. But what doesn’t help with the fear is when people work at opposite ends.”
Instead, she pointed to the coordinated efforts involving federal agencies, Ontario officials, municipalities and First Nations communities as evidence that governments are united in their response.
Ford echoed that sentiment while criticizing attempts to politicize the wildfire emergency. He rejected suggestions that wildfire resources have been underfunded and pledged that cost will not be a factor in the province’s response.
“I will not spare a penny, not a penny,” Ford said. “There is no limit to making sure that we support and save people.”
Both Ford and Hajdu emphasized that cooperation between governments remains essential as crews continue to battle fires across the northwest.
“This is a relationship that happens at the government operation centres with Emergency Preparedness Ontario and the Government of Canada,” Hajdu said. “The focus is really to get people to safety, to protect property to the degree that is possible, and to put these fires out as quickly as we can.”
The leaders expressed hope that a more favourable weather forecast for the coming days will help firefighters gain control of several major fires across the region.
