State Rep. Cam Cavitt today applauded Congressman Jack Bergman for his leadership in urging the Canadian government to take immediate steps to reduce the dangerous wildfire smoke drifting into Northern Michigan.

For the third straight summer, Northern Michigan residents have endured smoky skies and hazardous air quality due to massive wildfires burning across Canada. In a letter to Canadian Senator Michael MacDonald, Congressman Bergman called for Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Service to reform outdated forest management policies and adopt proactive strategies to prevent these recurring disasters.

Cavitt said Bergman is right to press Canadian officials to take action.

“Our communities are once again being forced to breathe in smoke we didn’t cause and can’t control,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “I’m grateful to Congressman Bergman for standing up for the people of Northern Michigan and demanding real accountability. We shouldn’t have to endure another summer like this. Canada must act.”

Cavitt said he shares Bergman’s concerns about the growing threat to public health. Poor air quality has caused schools and recreational programs to cancel outdoor activities, limited tourism in the region, and increased respiratory issues, especially for children and older adults.

“The smoke is coming from across the border, but we’re feeling the impact here in Northern Michigan and beyond,” Cavitt said. “Congressman Bergman is absolutely right. It’s time for Canada to take wildfire prevention seriously. That means using modern tools like prescribed burns, forest thinning, and fuel reduction to stop these fires before they grow out of control.”