Republican senator plans sanctions on Canada over wildfire smoke

U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno says he plans to introduce legislation sanctioning Canada and Canadian officials over wildfire smoke drifting into the United States.

Republican senator plans sanctions on Canada over wildfire smoke Sanctions over fire smoke? U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno says he plans to introduce legislation sanctioning Canada and Canadian officials over wildfire smoke drifting into the United States. The Ohio Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump said Thursday that Canada has failed to invest sufficiently in wildfire prevention, including forest thinning, prescribed burns and fuel reduction, according to The Hill.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has contributed to poor air quality in several major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Minneapolis. Four Republican members of Congress also wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing Canada of failing to prevent recurring wildfire smoke and suggesting U.S. agencies could become directly involved in cross-border fuel reduction and firefighting efforts. “This is the third consecutive year we have had to write to Canadian officials about a crisis that Canada has the tools to prevent and has chosen not to,” wrote the four Michigan Republicans.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, meanwhile struck a far more collaborative tone in a statement on the situation. "This challenge knows no borders," said Hoekstra. "This is a shared challenge, and it demands a shared response.”

"I commend the outstanding co-operation between the United States and Canada as we confront these fires together. Our two governments are monitoring and sharing information in real time — co-ordination that reflects our partnership at its best." More Canada News - Bronze gift to museumOkanagan Falls - 3:15 pm - Sanctions over fire smoke?Canada/U.S. - 3:07 pm - Merritt keeping eye on firesBoston Bar - 3:07 pm - Transit overhaul approvedVernon - 3:00 pm - Wildfire jumps to 15 ha.

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