Dear Chris

The wildfires are not just headlines — they’re a terrifying reality for so many Canadians.

Over 33,000 people have been forced out of their homes by hundreds of wildfires across Western Canada, with smoke spreading elsewhere. The damage is extensive, with fires ravaging entire communities. Billions of dollars in aid are pouring in, yet some evacuees are still unable to find refuge.

This is not normal. It’s not yet summer, and wildfires are starting sooner and fiercer than before. Scientists tell us that an early-season heat wave that led to these fires was five times more likely from climate change.

The climate emergency is at our doorstep, and we need federal action now! Canada’s new government has been focused on defending our country from the threats south of the border. But the conversation is veering into dangerous territory with the talk of pipelines and magical “decarbonized oil” as false solutions to our energy economy. This will only make matters worse!

That’s why we need a new plan for Canada, where our greatest strength is climate leadership. Read our blog to learn more:

Today, the government tabled the Building Canada Act, which will fast-track mega-projects that could include dirty energy. Yet pipelines are not nation-building. We can’t decarbonize oil. And we can’t build Canada up while our communities are burning down.

Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to make Canada the strongest economy in the G7. But how can he do that with homes burning and emissions on the rise? Strong Canada doesn’t roll back on climate progress. We need projects that position our country as a clean economy leader. You can’t fight Trump by being like him.

The good news is that people like you and me are not giving up! Across the country, Canadians are stepping up, meeting with their Member of Parliament (MPs), organizing in their communities, and demanding climate action. At Environmental Defence, we are launching a series of actions and training sessions to empower more Canadians to demand climate leadership from the federal government in this critical time!

We hope you will join us. Stay tuned …