Republicans propose sanctions on Canada over wildfire smoke

U.S. Republican officials announced plans to introduce legislation that would sanction Canada and certain Canadian officials for the smoke from large wildfires that has drifted into the United States, creating hazardous air conditions for millions. President Donald Trump said the country had been "invaded" by dirty air and suggested adding the cost of the pollution to tariffs on Canadian goods.

Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio said he would introduce a bill next week to penalize Canada, arguing that Ottawa had failed to invest in wildfire prevention measures such as forest thinning, fuel reduction, prescribed burns and stronger enforcement against arson. Four Republican representatives from Michigan also wrote to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Carney, warning that the United States might take independent action to protect its citizens if Canada does not manage its forests.

"Fighting climate change is the responsibility of all countries, including the United States," Carney told reporters.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded that the United States could provide more assistance to fight the fires, noting that Canada had previously helped its American neighbours.

The smoke comes as both countries experience an above-average wildfire season. In the United States, more than 5,740 square miles have burned so far this year, 31 % above the ten-year average, while Canada’s largest fire near Wabakimi Provincial Park has spread across roughly 788,000 acres. Air-quality indexes in several Midwestern and Eastern cities have reached hazardous levels, prompting health advisories to stay indoors.

Scientists attribute the increase in wildfire activity to a warming climate that creates hotter, drier conditions and extends the fire season. The U.S. administration has recently rolled back a number of climate and environmental regulations, which critics say could exacerbate the impacts of such events.