U.S. Lawmakers Call on Canada to Address Wildfire Smoke Crisis**

Six U.S. Congress members from Wisconsin and Minnesota are urging Canada to take action against wildfires contributing to smoke pollution that is hindering outdoor enjoyment for American communities.**

 

Smoke from wildfires across Canada has become a pressing issue for Americans in the Midwest this summer. A collective of six Republican lawmakers from Wisconsin and Minnesota is challenging Canada to clarify its strategy for combating these wildfires, which have been described as "suffocating" by affected communities.

“In our neck of the woods, summer months are ideal for outdoor activities and family time,” stated the representatives in a recent letter to Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S. They emphasized the adverse effects wildfire smoke has on recreational activities and urged for urgent interventions to manage the fires more effectively.

Representatives including Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin, alongside Glenn Grothman and several from Minnesota, took a firm stance, attributing the smoke to what they call neglectful forest management by Canada. “Our communities shouldn’t suffer because of poor decisions made across the border,” Tiffany remarked on social media.

In response, Canada's government is reviewing the letter and plans to address the concerns raised. Tarryn Elliott, a spokesperson for the Canadian Embassy, communicated that wildfires and their impact are taken very seriously by the northern government.

Conversely, Wab Kinew, the premier of Manitoba, denounced the U.S. lawmakers' letter, insisting that such comments trivialize the situation amidst ongoing loss of life due to wildfires, a perspective that highlights the serious ramifications of this crisis on both sides of the border.