OTTAWA, ON — As wildfires continue to rage across Western Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the federal Incident Response Group on Friday to coordinate emergency efforts and deliver urgent support to affected communities.
The group of ministers and senior officials gathered to assess the fast-moving crisis, with a particular focus on Manitoba, where Canadian Armed Forces personnel have been deployed to support air evacuations from remote communities, including Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.
“These evacuations are complex and high-risk,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “The scale cannot be overstated — nor can the dedication of those executing them.”
In response to a request for assistance from Manitoba, @CanadianForces are providing airlift and logistics support to assist in the evacuation of residents.
To the CAF, firefighters, and emergency management personnel who are working tirelessly—thank you. pic.twitter.com/q3AacvxKID
— David McGuinty (@DavidMcGuinty) May 30, 2025
Prime Minister Carney has been in close contact with the premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan and affirmed that all levels of government, including Indigenous leadership, are engaged in the response. Federal coordination with the Canadian Red Cross has also been announced, with the government pledging to match public donations and assist with the delivery of essentials such as food, temporary lodging, and clothing.
Carney offered thanks to first responders, Armed Forces members, and local officials working around the clock on the front lines. “The government stands ready to provide additional federal support wherever it’s needed,” he added.
Canada is facing another severe wildfire season just two years after a record-breaking summer in 2023. Communities across Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have issued evacuation orders, with smoke and fire activity affecting air quality and travel as far east as Ontario.
Federal agencies have urged Canadians to monitor the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and Get Prepared Canada websites for the latest updates and safety guidance.
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Yay, hurray. Why wait for a request from the Premier? And why did the Premier wait so long to request this? Fires are going to just miraculously disappear? Firefighters in no way could contain all of this spread in so many locations. One or 2 maybe; this is unreal. Almost like it’s designed that way. 🤨🧐🤔