A climate connection to Alberta wildfires? Smith says most in province caused by humans
CTV
In an interview with CTV National News Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith would not say whether Canada's historic wildfire season is connected to climate change.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith won't say whether Canada's historic wildfire season is connected to climate change or not.
Speaking with CTV National News Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina, Smith did not directly answer a question on whether she believes a connection exists between the country's wildfires and climate change.
"All I know is in my province we have 650 fires and 500 of them were human caused, so we have to make sure that when people know that when it's dry out there and we get into forest fire season, that they're being a lot more careful because anytime you end up with an ignition that happens, it can have devastating consequences," Smith said.
"And so, that's what I would hope that we can educate the public on, on that front as well."
While the wildfire situation in Alberta has improved over the past month, provincial officials have warned that it is still early in the season.
Meanwhile, Smith has openly criticized the federal government on its climate policies.
In the interview, Smith also talks about wanting to work on a "realistic" plan with the federal government when it comes to emissions reductions, saying the current Liberal target of 2035 is "just not achievable." The premier also outlines what role she sees renewable energy playing, despite her province's recent pause.
