President Donald Trump has pointed fingers at Canada for the wildfire smoke that is drifting across the United States, stating he will include the “incalculable cost” of managing this pollution in the tariffs on Canadian products.
Dense smoke from numerous Canadian fires blanketed parts of the US from the Midwest to the Northeast on Thursday and Friday, leading officials to advise residents to remain indoors.
Trump, who often clashes with Prime Minister Mark Carney, mentioned he would reach out to the Canadian leader to discuss what actions he intends to take regarding this “totally unacceptable” situation.
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“We are holding Canada responsible for not properly maintaining their forests.. and as a result, the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air,” he stated in a post on Truth Social.
“This is Willful Negligence, and becoming a yearly occurrence, costing the United States Billions of Dollars, which cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying.”
Wildfires in Canada have burned thousands of square kilometres and sent smoke far and wide. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP
Canada’s minister of emergency management and community resilience, Eleanor Olszewski, explained that since 2020, they have invested $C12 billion ($A12.3 billion) in forest sustainability and fire prevention as they face increasingly dry and warm conditions.
She also highlighted a long-standing partnership between the US and Canada when it comes to battling wildfires on both sides of their border.
“At this time, our first priority is protecting Canadians and keeping communities safe,” Olszewski said in a statement.
Climate experts indicate that rising temperatures have led to drier forests and an increase in wildfires in recent years within Canada, which features some of the largest forest areas globally.
Shortly after taking office in 2025, Trump placed tariffs on several major imports from Canada.
Carney’s office hasn’t responded yet regarding Trump’s comments.
Canada’s PM Mark Carney has yet to address Trump’s threats. Credit: AAP
Carney noted on Thursday that there are more efforts needed from the United States in tackling climate change which contributes to longer droughts and rising global temperatures.
The two leaders are expected to meet at Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.
Many fires are occurring in Ontario’s vast territory where access is mainly via air due to its remote nature.
As it stands now, 2630 square kilometres have burned compared with 2430 sq km during this same period last year in 2025.
Thousands have been evacuated due to these fires.
The United States is also having an above-average fire season with 14,970 sq km burned so far this year compared with a ten-year average of 10,930 sq km according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
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Wildfires in Canada have burned thousands of square kilometres and sent smoke far and wide. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP
Canada’s minister of emergency management and community resilience, Eleanor Olszewski, explained that since 2020, they have invested $C12 billion ($A12.3 billion) in forest sustainability and fire prevention as they face increasingly dry and warm conditions.
She also highlighted a long-standing partnership between the US and Canada when it comes to battling wildfires on both sides of their border.
“At this time, our first priority is protecting Canadians and keeping communities safe,” Olszewski said in a statement.
Climate experts indicate that rising temperatures have led to drier forests and an increase in wildfires in recent years within Canada, which features some of the largest forest areas globally.
Shortly after taking office in 2025, Trump placed tariffs on several major imports from Canada.
Carney’s office hasn’t responded yet regarding Trump’s comments.
Canada’s PM Mark Carney has yet to address Trump’s threats. Credit: AAP
Carney noted on Thursday that there are more efforts needed from the United States in tackling climate change which contributes to longer droughts and rising global temperatures.
The two leaders are expected to meet at Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.
Many fires are occurring in Ontario’s vast territory where access is mainly via air due to its remote nature.
As it stands now, 2630 square kilometres have burned compared with 2430 sq km during this same period last year in 2025.
Thousands have been evacuated due to these fires.
The United States is also having an above-average fire season with 14,970 sq km burned so far this year compared with a ten-year average of 10,930 sq km according to the National Interagency Fire Center.Source link
