(Toronto, Ont. – July 30, 2026) Chiefs of Ontario stands with First Nations across Ontario in calling for an independent public inquiry into the provincial response to this year’s devastating wildfire season.
This summer, at least 12 First Nations have been fully or partially evacuated due to wildfires this year. Some communities have been destroyed, while others escaped with only moments to spare as fast-moving fires threatened homes, critical infrastructure and lives.
“There has been a catastrophic and systemic failure at nearly every level and at nearly every step of this process,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We need to know how and why this happened. But most importantly, we need to learn from it so it never happens again.”
Chiefs of Ontario is supporting calls for a public inquiry under Ontario’s Public Inquires Act, 2009, which would provide an independent examination of this year’s emergency response. A commission would have the authority to call witnesses, gather evidence, hear testimony and release a final report of findings and recommendations to strengthen Ontario’s emergency management system.
Public inquiries have previously led to significant reforms in areas including healthcare, policing, and workplace safety, among others, by identifying systemic failures and recommending legislative and policy changes.
“An independent public inquiry is about accountability and improving the systems that are meant to protect everyone,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “Climate change means no community is immune. Every Ontarian deserves confidence that emergency management systems will respond effectively when lives are at risk.”
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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario
Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org
