Chiefs of Ontario call for public inquiry over provinces catastrophic and systemic failure of wildfire response

The Chiefs of Ontario (COO), a political organization that represents 133 First Nations in the province, says it supports the call by a number of leaders for an “independent public inquiry” into the response to the summer’s wildfires. Wildfires burning across northern Ontario had prompted evacuations in at least 12 First Nations and forced more than 1,800 people to flee their homes. There was widespread destruction reported in several First Nations, including Whitewater Lake and Namaygoosisagagun. “There has been a catastrophic and systemic failure at nearly every level and at nearly every step of this process,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, who heads the COO. “We need to know how and why this happened. But most importantly, we need to learn from it so it never happens again.” The COO said a public inquiry would provide an “an independent examination of this year’s emergency response. A commission would have the authority to call witnesses, gather evidence, hear testimony and release a final report of findings and recommendations to strengthen Ontario’s emergency management system. On July 21, First Nation leaders directly impacted by the wildfires called for the province to establish an inquiry. Chief Wilfred King said the lack of communication and evacuation support should “horrify all Canadians.” “How could this happen? More importantly, how do we make sure this never happens again? That’s what they must answer,” said King, flanked by several leaders of other evacuated communities at a news conference in Thunder Bay. Along with a public inquiry, leaders called for structural reform for how Ontario co-ordinates its wildfire response. They said certain responsibilities under the Ministry of Natural Resources should instead be transferred to the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness. They also called for the removal of two high-ranking natural resources officials. “The concern is not with the employees who continue to work under extremely difficult conditions but with senior leadership responsible for policy planning, oversight and decision-making,” said King, the Gull Bay chief. Benedict said an inquiry is “about accountability and improving the systems that are meant to protect everyone.” “Climate change means no community is immune. Every Ontarian deserves confidence that emergency management systems will respond effectively when lives are at risk.” The province has maintained that it has done everything possible to respond to the wildfires. With files from the Canadian Press Continue Reading