Firefighting agencies throughout Canada have received a boost for the 2026 wildfire season with the addition of 10 new aircraft. Eleanor Olszewski, the federal minister of emergency management, made the announcement in Ottawa, revealing that provincial and territorial wildfire agencies can now request these aircraft via the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).
The newly acquired aircraft, which consist of four firefighting air tankers, one birddog plane, five heavy lift helicopters, and two support assets, are intended to enhance Canada’s wildfire response capabilities and ensure the safety of frontline personnel and communities nationwide. According to Olszewski, the positioning of these aircraft across the country will be based on anticipated needs.
The decision to lease the aircraft rather than purchase them was made by the federal government to expedite their deployment, avoiding a delay of three to five years for delivery. Olszewski emphasized the importance of timely action to have aerial firefighting assets ready for the ongoing wildfire season.
Funding from the 2025 budget allocated $316 million over five years to establish a national aerial firefighting surge capacity. CIFFC utilized this funding to lease the 10 new aircraft and two support assets through contracts with Conair Group Inc., Coldstream Helicopters, and VIH Helicopters.
As part of the temporary assets acquired, CIFFC will receive four Dash 8-400 AT airtankers, three Airbus AS332 L and L1 helicopters, and two Sikorsky S-92A helicopters, each equipped with varying capacities for water or fire retardant. Additionally, two mobile forward-attack tanker bases will be leased to facilitate rapid refueling and dispatching of aerial support aircraft near wildfire sites.
NDP MP Gord Johns, a vocal advocate for establishing a national aerial firefighting fleet, commended the decision to lease the aircraft but stressed the importance of developing a long-term strategy to enhance Canada’s domestic firefighting capabilities.