Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, alongside Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen, is planning to announce an investment to strengthen the province’s wildfire fighting capabilities. This announcement will take place on Tuesday afternoon at the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada facility in Calgary. The focus is on preparing Alberta to effectively respond to wildfires, which have become a significant concern for the region due to increasingly severe fire seasons in recent years.

The investment includes the procurement of advanced firefighting equipment, particularly the Canadair 515 (DHC-515) amphibious firefighting aircraft, which will be manufactured at De Havilland's new plant in Wheatland County, just outside Calgary. This aircraft is designed to enhance aerial firefighting efforts, making it easier and faster to address wildfires as they arise. The initiative reflects the government's acknowledgment of the risks associated with wildfires and its commitment to investing in preventative measures and firefighting resources.

The funding announcement is expected to draw attention from local communities, environmental groups, and the forestry industry, as it represents a proactive step in addressing a critical issue. It aims not only to increase safety and preparedness for fire seasons but also to support the local economy through the creation of jobs related to aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. As Alberta continues to face the impacts of climate change, this investment could play a pivotal role in the province’s efforts to combat wildfires more effectively in the future.