THUNDER BAY – POLITICS 2.0 – Thunder Bay–Superior North MPP Lise Vaugeois is calling out the Ford government over what she says is a dangerous lack of action on Ontario’s wildfire crisis.
With an urgent fire ban in Muskoka and a new large blaze in Kawartha Lakes, Vaugeois says the province is paying the price for years of ignoring staffing shortages and retention issues in Wildland Firefighting.
“We are nearing the end of the summer, and this government has yet to provide a comprehensive plan to address the wildfires ravaging the province,” Vaugeois said. “We have had years of warnings from the Auditor General to address the retention crisis in Wildland Firefighting. Neither Premier Ford, Mike Harris Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, nor Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, have lifted a finger to address the issue.”
Vaugeois noted that a year ago, Ontario’s Minister of Labour promised to reclassify Wildland Firefighters to ensure they received the resources and respect they deserve. She says that promise remains unfulfilled.
Ontario’s Wildfire Staffing Gap at a Glance
📊 Needed Field Firefighters: 800+
📉 Current Number in the Field: 640
🚫 Hiring Barrier: Not enough experienced leaders to head crews
✈️ Grounded Water Bombers: 3 (most of the 2025 season)
💰 Cause: Lack of funding for retention and skilled frontline staff
🌲 Impact: Larger uncontrolled fires, more evacuations, heavier smoke events, longer recovery
Impact Across Ontario
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Vast stretches of forest destroyed.
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Multiple community evacuations.
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Province-wide smoke events affecting public health.
“Does Muskoka have to burn down to get any action?” Vaugeois asked. “We need the government to step up before it’s too late.”
Background
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Ontario currently has 640 field firefighters—short of the 800+ needed.
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Hiring is stalled because there aren’t enough experienced leaders to run firefighting crews.
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Three water bombers have been grounded most of the season due to lack of funding for skilled frontline staff.
