Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
June 2026
This month, the Senate of Canada’s Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry issued the report of a long-term study of wildfires in Canada and their effects on forestry and agriculture industries, as well as on rural and Indigenous communities, across the country.
The Committee heard evidence from experts across sectors, including from John Pomeroy, about the relevance of water science to wildfires. The Canadian government relies on experts and academics to inform key decisions and support the development of national flood, drought, and wildfire prevention programs.
“The years 2023 and 2024 were the hottest years on the planet in 120,000 years, by many estimates. This warmed our snow, melted it early, thawed our permafrost, burned our forest, and intensified rainfall and drought outside of conditions to which nature and our population have evolved. It is hurtling us into a dangerous and unfamiliar world where our experience in traditional approaches to forest and water management no longer provide adequate guidance for preserving our environment, building our prosperity, looking after each other, and living in safe, healthy communities.” John Pomeroy
See more from John Pomeroy on pages 20, 85, 91, and 105.