Calgary – October 18, 2026 -- Eighty-nine percent of Canadians believe the federal government should invest in waterbombers to assist provinces when needed, according to a Pollara study released by De Havilland Canada, maker of the Canadair 515 waterbomber.
Poll finds Canadians see wildfires worsening over the past decade
The study, titled "Canadian Perceptions: Wildfire Response," measured public attitudes toward wildfires and the response to them. Respondents across the country said wildfires have become worse over the last decade. They also called a federal investment in a national waterbomber fleet, accessible to the provinces on request, essential to protecting Canada during wildfire seasons.
Manufacturer links fleet purchase to aerospace jobs and sovereign supply chain
De Havilland Canada argues that a federal order for new aircraft would create jobs across the country. It says the order would also rebuild sovereign aerospace capacity and the supply chain envisioned in the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Neil Sweeney, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, pointed to the longevity of the platform. Aircraft produced in 1971 are still flying in Europe today, he said, and continue to support manufacturing and engineering jobs in Canada.
Senate committee called for national fleet last month
De Havilland Canada said it backs the recommendation made last month by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, which called on Canada to establish a national waterbomber fleet. Sweeney said provinces do an excellent job with the resources available but need more federal assistance as summers grow longer and hotter.
Poll respondents back sharing the fleet with other countries
Canadians also believe a national fleet should be made available to other countries for their non-Canadian wildfire seasons when it is not needed at home, according to the study.