With wildfires continuing to affect communities across Northern Ontario, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, and Air Canada Cargo are working alongside long-time humanitarian partner GlobalMedic to help deliver critical support to frontline firefighters, evacuees, and communities impacted by the ongoing emergency.
Through the transportation of essential equipment and support for emergency response efforts on the ground, Air Canada is helping ensure that aid reaches people and communities who need it most.
Most recently, Air Canada Cargo transported 140 fire-resistant coveralls to Thunder Bay to help equip firefighters responding to active wildfires across the region.
In addition to transporting protective equipment, Air Canada is supporting GlobalMedic’s broader wildfire response efforts by helping transport its teams to communities across Northern Ontario.
This support enables GlobalMedic personnel to deliver critical assistance on the ground, including the distribution of specialized Fire Skid Units to rural and volunteer fire departments. These innovative units convert pickup trucks into rapid-response firefighting vehicles, expanding the capacity of local departments to respond quickly and effectively to wildfire threats.
Since the program began in August 2023, GlobalMedic has distributed more than 700 Fire Skid Units across Canada and continues to provide additional support to departments actively battling fires in affected regions. Beyond firefighting efforts, the organization is also providing support to evacuees through wellness checks, mobile clinic services, emergency snacks, and hygiene supplies. As communities begin the recovery process, GlobalMedic will continue supporting local food banks and other recovery initiatives in the months ahead.
Sebastian Cosgrove, Director, Global Customer Service, Air Canada Cargo, said: “Air Canada Cargo is honoured to partner with GlobalMedic to move essential firefighting equipment to Thunder Bay (YQT) to support efforts in fighting the wildfires in Ontario. Fourteen local fire departments will benefit from the fire-resistant coveralls and other goods while they actively protect northern communities in Ontario from these devastating wildfires.”
Rahul Singh, Executive Director, GlobalMedic, said: “We are grateful to our partners at Air Canada for their support. They fly our teams and carry our aid to places around the world. Today it’s a mission in our home. Air Canada has helped to fly GlobalMedic team members and fire-resistant coveralls to Thunder Bay. One hundred and forty firefighters will receive this gear to better equip them to fight these fires.”
Recognizing the urgent needs facing Northern Ontario communities, Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), and the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association (NOTO) have joined Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation in helping raise awareness and support for wildfire relief and recovery efforts.
With wildfire activity continuing in several regions across the country, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and Air Canada Cargo remain ready to support our humanitarian partners as they respond to evolving community needs.
