The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands:

Speaker, I want to thank everyone who helped keep residents safe during the 2026 forest fire season.

The cooperation and effort demonstrated during the many wildfires in Labrador were exceptional. I was pleased to hear from many on the ground that it was an extremely well-managed emergency response.

Speaker, we are on track with our commitment to ensure safer communities for all of us. This includes providing more than $7 million to improve firefighting and emergency resources and returning the fifth water bomber back to the fleet.

Even though forest fire season is officially over, we shouldn’t let our guard down.

Speaker, it’s never too early to think about reducing wildfire risk around our homes. Simple practices, like stacking wood piles away from structures, or cleaning leaves from gutters, can make a big difference.

Communities can apply for funding through the Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program to help them identify and reduce wildfire risk and plan for emergencies.

Speaker, applications for this program are open. The deadline has been extended until November 30 to give communities plenty of time to apply.

I encourage all communities to visit the department’s website or contact FireSmart@gov.nl.ca to avail of this excellent opportunity.