Canadian actor, musician, and humanitarian Tom Jackson is calling for a fundamental shift in how Canada responds, from emergency evacuation after a wildfire to genuine prevention prior to a wildfire starting.
Jackson said to get ahead of the flames — greater investment is needed. “Prevention. Infrastructure. Emergency planning. Indigenous-led land management before wildfire season begins will reduce risks and improve community safety. Combining Indigenous knowledge with modern wildfire science will improve forest management and community resilience. Earlier and sustained investments in preparedness, made in partnership with First Nations, will improve resilience and reduce the impacts on some communities.”
The issue is one of urgency, rather than jurisdiction, he added. “This crisis has nothing to do with treaty rights or jurisdictional responsibility. It’s about saving lives.”
According to Jackson, First Nations need systems for firefighting, all season road access, and emergency supplies, including food and water. “And the federal government needs to be proactive by providing resilient infrastructure, while not relying on after the fact evacuations.
First Nations, Jackson explained, are asking for help and need to be heard. “A First Nation community understands its needs. Change will require First Nation-led emergency planning and mandatory collaboration between governments.”
“There are existing world-changing technologies,” he noted. “Homes that are affordable to build and affordable to live in are here. They’re wind, water, and mould proof. They’re seismic, fire resistant, and endorsed by the National Housing Strategy, the federal government, and the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.”
There’s an abundance of information about what fire can do and what Canadians can do about it, Jackson said.
“We have to get collaborative with different levels of government. To sit down and make a plan to better understand,” he added. “We’re going to go to our leaders if there’s a fire, but let’s go to our leaders before the fire. Let’s understand we need to build homes that are fire resistant. There’s new technology out there.”
“We need to build homes with fire resistant building materials and maintaining buffer zones around our homes. Combine traditional knowledge with modern fire science,” Jackson noted.
Other proactive measures include having a 72-hour emergency kit and creating a plan of where to go during an evacuation and how to get there.
“So, we have a plan for kids, elders, and animals. And stay connected with a cellphone or a radio,” added Jackson.
Jackson is from the One Arrow First Nation in Saskatchewan, is a Companion of the Order of Canada, and is also known for his television and film work, including North of 60 and Sullivan’s Crossing.
The Huron Carole, which Jackson founded, has also generated more than $250 million dollars in combined cash and in-kind value for food banks and disaster relief throughout Canada.
