This op-ed is written by Perry Johnson, a Republican running for Michigan governor.
LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – For three years, Michigan families have repeatedly been forced indoors as smoke from Canadian wildfires has blanketed our state, endangered public health and disrupted everyday life.
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Children cannot safely play outside. Seniors and people with respiratory conditions are warned to remain indoors. Outdoor events are canceled. Workers, families and small businesses suffer.
Enough is enough.
Canada may be our neighbor and ally, but friendship does not mean allowing another country’s failures to repeatedly threaten the health of Michigan citizens without consequences.
Canada must take aggressive, measurable action to improve forest management, reduce dangerous fuel buildup, prevent catastrophic fires and contain them before their smoke crosses the border.
If Canadian officials refuse, the United States should impose severe economic penalties, including targeted tariffs and other trade consequences, until Canada presents a credible plan and produces measurable results.
Michigan also deserves to know: Where has Congressman John James been?
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This crisis began hammering Michigan in 2023. Three summers later, the smoke is back, the air is dangerous and John James has accomplished nothing that has stopped it.
James eventually sent a letter to Canadian officials in 2025. But Michigan families cannot breathe a press release, and one strongly worded letter without enforcement, legislation or consequences is not leadership.
John James has had years in Congress to demand action. He could have introduced legislation authorizing penalties. He could have pushed for binding negotiations with Canada. He could have demanded that wildfire prevention become a condition in future trade discussions. Instead, the smoke keeps coming and Michigan keeps paying the price.
That is the difference between talking and leading.
As governor, I will demand that Washington defend Michigan families. I will work with the president, Congress and other Great Lakes states to pursue economic penalties against Canada unless it takes meaningful action.
We will also calculate the economic damage these smoke emergencies inflict on Michigan—from canceled events and lost business to public-health costs—and demand accountability.
No government can prevent every wildfire. But Canada cannot repeatedly send hazardous smoke across our border, offer excuses and expect Americans to quietly accept it.
Michigan deserves clean air. Our children deserve clean air. Our seniors deserve clean air.
John James has had three years to deliver results. He has failed.
It is time to stop sending letters and start imposing consequences.