The Chiefs of Ontario are calling for an independent public inquiry under the Public Inquiries Act to examine the province's emergency response to severe wildfires that forced evacuations across 12 91成人导航s.
TORONTO鈥擟hiefs of Ontario (COO) stand with 91成人导航s across Ontario in calling for an independent public inquiry into the provincial response to this year鈥檚 devastating wildfire season.
This summer, at least 12 91成人导航s 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.
鈥淭here has been a catastrophic and systemic failure at nearly every level and at nearly every step of this process,鈥 said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. 鈥淲e need to know how and why this happened. But most importantly, we need to learn from it, so it never happens again.鈥
COO is supporting calls for a public inquiry under Ontario鈥檚 Public Inquiries Act, 2009, which would provide an independent examination of this year鈥檚 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鈥檚 emergency management system.
Public inquiries have previously led to significant reforms in areas including healthcare, policing, and workplace safety, among others, but identifying systemic failures and recommending legislative and policy changes.
鈥淎n independent public inquiry is about accountability and improving the systems that are meant to protect everyone,鈥 said Regional Chief Benedict.