Budget 2024 provides funds for wildfire prevention

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In a release, Minster of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen, said through “emerging technologies” the province is “well prepared for the 2024 wildfire season.”

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The province also says it is exploring more options to expand the air tanker fleet and pilot more emerging firefighting technologies.

Heather Sweet, Alberta NDP Critic for Agriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development issued the following statement in response:

“The UCP is planning for the upcoming wildfire season on a hope and a prayer, while drastically underfunding preparation for wildfires this year.

“Hope is not a strategy.

“The budget clearly acknowledges that wildfires were caused by drought last year. This year’s drought is worse, but the government refuses to meet with experts and key stakeholders like the Alberta Fire Chiefs, Rural Municipalities Association and the unions representing firefighters to make real plans for the season ahead.

“Stakeholders told me they had held out hope that there would be relief in this budget. Now, they’re highly concerned it doesn’t fully address the needs for communities and firefighters’ safety.

“I call on the government to bring together the experts on how to prepare for the wildfire season, without delay.”

“The province is not doing enough to attract and retain experiences wildland firefighters,” says AUPE Vice-President James Gault. “New drones and night vision goggles may help us fight fires, but it means nothing if we don’t have experienced teams of boots on the ground.”

“Why would you risk your life here when you could do a similar job for British Columbia or Canada Parks with significantly higher pay and benefits?” says Gault. “Wildland firefighters have a drastically increased risk of developing respiratory illness and cancer, but the Government of Alberta won’t offer health coverage to help them.”