There’s been some contradictory messages recently from the Trump administration regarding Canada’s efforts in fighting wildfires. Minister Eleanor Olszewski has issued a statement in response:

July 15, 2026

Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra on the Wildfire Situation in Canada

https://ca.usembassy.gov/statement-by-u-s-ambassador-to-canada-pete-hoekstra-on-the-wildfire-situation-in-canada/

I commend the outstanding cooperation between the United States and Canada as we confront these fires together. Our two governments are monitoring and sharing information in real time – coordination that reflects our partnership at its best.

July 17, 2026

Truth Social post by US President Donald Trump

https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40097

We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!

July 18, 2026

Statement from Eleanor Olszewski, the Candian Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience

https://xcancel.com/EleanorO_MP/status/2078272691723719014

Canada and the United States have a long history of working together to fight wildfires on both sides of the border - it is a history that both countries benefit from and that we are building on during this challenging wildfire season.

[…]

Since 2020, Canada has invested $12 billion in forests sustainability and fire prevention. Further we are strengthening emergency managment capacity, federal emergency coordination, and civilian response capacity.

Provinces and territories are also stepping up. For example, Alberta and Ontario are together investing over $1 billion this year to expand their firefighting aircraft fleets.

This is a challenge that knows no borders, and Canada is working with speed, collaboration, and coordination to keep people safe.