Wildfire in Ontario. Photo: Shutterstock Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, and Air Canada Cargo are supporting wildfire response efforts across Northern Ontario by transporting emergency supplies and humanitarian teams to communities affected by ongoing wildfires.
Working alongside long-time partner GlobalMedic, the airline has most recently flown 140 fire-resistant coveralls to Thunder Bay to help equip firefighters battling active blazes across the region.
Beyond transporting protective gear, Air Canada is also flying GlobalMedic personnel to affected communities, enabling the organization to deliver emergency assistance and distribute Fire Skid Units, specialized systems that transform pickup trucks into rapid-response firefighting vehicles for rural and volunteer fire departments.
Since the initiative launched in August 2023, GlobalMedic has distributed more than 700 Fire Skid Units across Canada, strengthening local firefighting capacity during increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
The humanitarian response also includes support for evacuees through wellness checks, mobile clinic services, emergency food, hygiene supplies, and longer-term recovery efforts, including assistance for local food banks.
The Air Canada Foundation has also launched an employee fundraising campaign to help finance additional firefighting equipment, support displaced residents, and aid community recovery projects.
Several tourism organizations, including Destination Northern Ontario, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), and the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association (NOTO), have joined the initiative to raise awareness and support relief efforts.
Air Canada said it remains ready to continue assisting humanitarian partners as wildfire conditions evolve across Canada.