Lawmakers, Experts Spar Over Canada Wildfire Smoke

Republican lawmakers from Minnesota and Wisconsin sent a letter to the Canadian ambassador demanding stronger action on Canadian wildfires, blaming them for recurring poor air quality and restrictions on outdoor activities in their states. They attribute the smoke to insufficient forest management and arson in Canada. Canadian officials, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, denounced the letter for politicizing a tragedy and highlighted the challenges of fighting remote wildfires and the significant loss of life. Experts stress that climate change and difficult terrain make wildfire mitigation especially tough in northern Canada. Some U.S. commentators criticized the lawmakers for hypocrisy, noting ongoing wildfires in the United States and questioning their positions on domestic forest management. Meteorologists warn that current weather patterns and geography mean cross-border smoke is likely to remain a persistent problem.