What to know
- Ford published an open letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum after 104 Mexican firefighters and specialized personnel arrived in Ontario to assist with ongoing wildfire efforts.
- The province is currently responding to 153 active wildfires, with international crews helping protect communities and contain the blazes.
- He praised the firefighters’ bravery and said their deployment reflects the strong relationship between the two countries, while also highlighting cooperation with the U.S. as part of a “Fortress North America.”
- Ford’s message comes after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested tariffs over Canadian wildfire smoke and shared an AI-generated image depicting a “clean air” wall at the Canada-U.S. border.
- Members of the U.S. House of Representatives previously urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to take stronger action to address cross-border wildfire smoke affecting American communities.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is extending his appreciation to Mexico after the country deployed firefighters to support the province during wildfire season.
As Ontario still battles to fight 153 active wildfires, 104 Mexican firefighters and specialized personnel have landed in the province to help manage wildfire efforts.
The support was well-received by Ford, who published an open letter thanking Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum for sending the brigade.
According to the premier, the gesture is a reflection of Canada’s friendly relationship and political economic ties with Mexico, which he said benefits residents of both countries.
“The bravery, professionalism and dedication shown by your firefighters has been extraordinary. Their willingness to help protect Ontario’s communities, families and businesses is symbolic of the friendship between our two countries and we are deeply grateful,” the premier wrote. “Time and again, Mexico has shown itself to be a friend of Ontario and Canada.”
Ford also mentioned the U.S. in the message, citing Canada’s closest neighbour as part of a “Fortress North America,” saying the three counties have managed to maintain “the most successful economic alliance in the world.”
“Now is the moment to work together to invest in shared security and economic growth in all three countries,” he added.
Trump posted AI image of ‘clean air’ wall, threatened wildfire tariffs
Ford’s message comes days after the U.S. President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of a “clean air” wall at the Canadian border, which was apparently suggested to block wildfire smoke from passing the border.
Days before, the president had threatened to impose “a big tariff on Canada because of the smoke,” while speaking at a conference about nuclear energy.
The posts and comments didn’t sit well with Torontonians, who harshly criticized the moves while speaking with Now Toronto at the time.
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In addition, U.S. House of Representatives members previously sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney requesting “immediate action” regarding the wildfire smoke.
“We were told last year that this would be treated with urgency. It was not,” the letter read.
“Provincial leaders have offered excuses instead of results, and in some cases have openly dismissed the health of American citizens as an inconvenience to their own summer. That attitude is unacceptable from a neighbour and an ally.”
Ontario continues to deal with wildfires
Weeks after Ontario was covered in smoke coming from wildfires in the northwestern region, the province continues to deal with ongoing fires.
According to the Forest Fire Info Map, there are currently 153 active fires in the province, with about 20 of them out of control.
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