The Government of manitoba entered into an agreement with Babcock Canada Inc. to provide services for the suppression of wildfires, including the use of water bombers.

Infrastructure minister Ron Schuler says the government is committed to protecting Manitobans from wildfires and the aircraft will always serve Manitoba first.

Local MP Niki Ashton stated on social media that the privatization of these wildfire suppression services will put Northern Manitobans affected by wildfire at risk.

But, Schular claims that this new agreement will ensure faster response times, enhanced safety, and superior aircraft maintenance.