Kiiwetinoong MPP Mamakwa releases statement on forest fires in northern Ontario and evacuations of Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation

QUEEN’S PARK— Ontario NDP Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Indigenous and Treaty Relations Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) is urging the Ontario government to expedite support for the Deer Lake and Webequie evacuees, wildland firefighters and all communities impacted by the ongoing wildfires in far northern Ontario.

Earlier today, Deer Lake First Nation’s Chief and Council declared an official State of Emergency due to the threats posed by the massive forest fire, ‘Red Lake 12’, which currently covers nearly 7,500 hectares. Community homes and buildings are at risk of burning and air quality is already compromised. Deer Lake’s Council is planning a complete evacuation of the community.

This afternoon, Webequie First Nation’s Chief and Council announced a Phase 1 evacuation for elders, children and residents with medical conditions due to the ‘Nipigon 5’ wildfire, which has expanded to cover 1,200 hectares. Webequie’s leadership declared a State of Emergency on Thursday, May 29 in response to the wildfire smoke and shifting wind conditions.

In response to this news and the numerous ongoing forest fires, Mamakwa has issued the following statement:

“My thoughts are with the community members from Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation as they begin their evacuations. I hope everyone stays safe and follows the guidance of their leadership. I am calling on the Government of Ontario to fully support the communities of Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation in their evacuations and eventual return.

At the same time, it is vital that wildland firefighters are adequately staffed and resourced as they are on the frontlines protecting the residents of northern Ontario. While we witness worsening forest fire seasons, the Ontario government is continuing to under resource wildland firefighters. It is past time for the Government to build up the capacity of Ontario’s wildland firefighters with stronger labour protections and better funding.

Meegwetch to the Chief and Councils of Deer Lake First Nation and Webequie First Nation for your leadership, and to all the frontline workers and wildland firefighters working hard to safely evacuate the communities and bring Red Lake 12 and Nipigon 5 under control.”

Quick Facts:

• There are several other forest fires raging in northwestern Ontario, including ‘Kenora 20’ impacting Wabaseemoong Independent Nations and ‘Sioux Lookout 3’, which previously caused an evacuation of the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen.
• Deer Lake First Nation is located near the Manitoba border. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Manitoba government declared a provincewide state of emergency and is facilitating the province’s largest evacuation since 1997 of about 17,000 people.
• The 2025 Budget tabled earlier this month included cuts to wildland firefighting, $42 million less allocated to Emergency Forest Firefighting.