St. John’s, NL (June 24, 2025) – Pleaman Forsey, PC Shadow Minister for Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Exploits, is speaking out again after media reports of new funding coming for community forest fire prevention.

Forsey was responding to vague comments from Minister Dempster indicating new federal-provincial funding would soon be available for communities for forest fire prevention. While he welcomes any additional funding that helps our communities, Forsey said the Government really needs to address the deficiencies that exist in their own plan.

“After a decade of inaction, the Liberals really need to clean up their own act. Each year we see crisis management while fundamental issues of equipment and personnel have not been addressed,” said Forsey.

“The fifth waterbomber has been rotting away in a hanger for six years while we have had recent serious fires in Adam’s Cove, Churchill Falls and Badger. The Government needs to look at bigger picture issues like forest management, including more domestic wood permits, brush cutting, and provincial fire breaks.”

Forsey stressed that Government should be working with communities, forestry companies, national parks and other stakeholders to address larger issues.

“We routinely see dry foliage and small timber left behind after harvesting operations which is susceptible to lightning strikes. Blow downs are left untouched. This all contributes to the problem,” added Forsey. “Sadly, I have not seen any provincial leadership on these issues over the past decade.”