Wildfires are no longer a once-a-year emergency in Canada. In 2025, fires burned more than 8.3 million hectares across multiple provinces (roughly the size of New Brunswick), making it the second-worst wildfire season in the country. Some experts warn this could become the new normal.

At The Walrus Talks Wildfires, expert voices from the health, climate, policy, and technology sectors come together to explore the impact of the wildfire crisis. Speakers will break down how fires affect public health outcomes, air quality, and the economy, as well as the challenges of rebuilding communities after catastrophic loss and why Indigenous nations are disproportionately affected. With smoke and other side-effects now crossing provincial and national borders, Canadians are asking not whether this will continue, but how we respond.

Live in Saskatoon and streamed online, this event is an opportunity to hear from leading experts, engage with the latest research and perspectives, and explore promising solutions that can shape Canada’s response. Join us at The Walrus Talks Wildfires to be informed, engaged, and part of the conversation.

Featuring

Yolanda Clatworthy, Director, Mitigating Wildfire, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Robert Henry, Associate Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan; Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Justice and Wellbeing

Dr. Courtney Howard, Emergency Physician; Founder, POWER--Planetary Health Organizations for Wellbeing, Equity, and Regeneration; Chair, Global Climate and Health Alliance

Dr. Eric Lamb, Professor, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan

Chief Ken McMullen, President, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

Lee-Ann Ross, Senior Director, Claims Operations, SGI CANADA

And more