LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After another summer of smoky skies, Michigan lawmakers are turning their attention to their neighbor from the north. A Michigan House Oversight Committee wants answers about Canada’s forest management, and Chairman Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) wants to hear directly from Canadian Ambassador Mark Wiseman.
DeBoyer invited Wiseman to testify before the committee and clarify what Canada is doing to mitigate recurring fires that continue to smoke out Michiganders.
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“For days at a time, this impacts people’s health, their everyday lives and livelihoods, our vital tourism industry, our local economies, and much more,” said DeBoyer. “Serving as Canada’s ashtray summer after summer is not a viable solution. Letting fires burn unfettered is not a viable option.”
He added, “I am hopeful Ambassador Wiseman can meet with our committee, answer legitimate questions brought forth by people we represent…and discuss forest management strategies that can be undertaken to curb these situations.”
Last week, smoke from more than 800 Canadian wildfires burned across Canada, with fires in Ontario sending oppressive smoke into Michigan. Residents reported ash falling from the sky last Wednesday as thick smoke moved into the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula.
DeBoyer isn’t the only one demanding answers. A four-member Michigan congressional delegation sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last week. U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, John James, Lisa McClain, and John Moolenaar said Canada has refused to address the underlying causes of wildfires for years.
President Donald Trump is putting Canada’s feet to the fire as well. He said Canada “poisoned” U.S. air with smoke from its out-of-control wildfires, which spread past Michigan and reached as far south as the nation’s capital late last week. In addition, Trump announced 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports, including automobiles, alcohol, and cheese.
