Feds planning evacuation centres in advance of wildfire season

Olszewski said having evacuation centres in place would help organizations like the Canadian Red Cross make plans in advance.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said last year was “exceptionally extreme” in terms of evacuations and authorities struggled to find hotel rooms for all evacuees.

“I think that there’s a little bit more work that needs to be done in this space,” Gull-Masty said at the same recent press conference.

“I’ve received this year many proposals from First Nations that have interest in working in this space, in creating culturally safe evacuation spaces. And I’ve even seen the example of communities that are creating evacuation centres to receive other First Nations into their territory.”

Last year saw the highest-ever number of long-term evacuations of First Nations communities due to wildfires — 21 communities were forced to flee for longer than 60 days.

Olszewski’s office said it’s up to the provinces and Indigenous communities to decide where the evacuation centres will be set up, and to operate them.

“When requested through a request for federal assistance, the federal government can provide coordination, logistical support, and additional resources to assist affected jurisdictions,” said Soraya Lemur, Olszewski’s press secretary.

“We will continue working closely with all orders of government to help ensure Canadians impacted by wildfires, and other emergencies, receive the support they need.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2026.

Nick Murray, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Feds planning evacuation centres in advance of wildfire season

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