I am in Ottawa this week, and I’ve been told that skies over the central and south Okanagan are finally clear after the heavy smoke from the Munro Lake wildfire near Peachland this past weekend.

First, I want to sincerely thank the many first responders who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property. Your dedication is deeply appreciated by all of us.

The Munro Lake wildfire started on Thursday, September 25, and quickly grew to over 220 hectares, driven by wind and dry conditions. At its peak, 325 properties were under evacuation order, and more than 1,100 were on alert. Thankfully, cooler weather has helped slow the fire’s spread, and most residents have now returned home.

Many residents believe this fire was human-caused, and some have even speculated arson. While investigations are still underway, this concern raises an important question: Are we doing enough to deter arson and protect our communities from its devastating impacts?

Unfortunately, at both the provincial and federal levels, there does not appear to be a strong effort to hold those who commit acts of arson fully accountable. That’s why earlier this year, my Conservative colleague Marc Dalton, MP for Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge, introduced Bill C-411, the Anti-Arson Act.

This bill would:
•    Create a specific offence for causing a wildfire, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison for a first offence and life imprisonment for repeat offenders.
•    Introduce significant fines—up to $100,000 for a first offence and $250,000 for subsequent offences.
•    Establish a new offence for arson targeting places of worship, with mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years for a first offence and 7 years for repeat offences.
•    Require courts to treat wildfires and destruction of sacred spaces as aggravating factors in sentencing for arson by negligence.

Good forest management includes prevention, and in my view, that also means having strong legal tools to deal with deliberate acts of arson.

To those affected by the Munro Lake fire and other recent wildfires, I hear your concerns and share your frustration. I believe it is time to advocate for stronger protections and real consequences for those who put our communities at risk. This brings me today’s questions:

What are your views on Bill C-411, the Anti-Arson Act? Do you believe Canada needs to do more to deter arson and hold offenders accountable?

You can join the lively discussion on my Facebook Page. Alternatively,  you can reach me direct at [email protected] or toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.