Fresh evacuation orders were issued in BC this week, as the number of displaced across the country grows to more than 120,000.
The most westerly province saw several new fires start following lightning strikes during some severe thunderstorms. This was further compounded by extreme heat, leading to Canada's Northwest Territories recording its hottest day on July 8, when temperatures rose to 37.4C.
Currently, BC is contending with 325 wildfires, of which 193 are listed as "out of control."
As concern around the blazes intensifies, Canadian junior Artemis Gold has opted to temporarily reduce its staff at its Blackwater mine in central BC.
Citing an abundance of caution, Artemis Gold's chief executive Steven Dean issued the following statement: "The safety of our employees, contractors and the local and Indigenous communities is our top priority. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary."
Remaining on site to monitor area fires are 20 Artemis personnel, including an emergency response team.
Port disruptions
While firefighters battle blazes in BC's interior, port workers remain on strike after walking off the job on July 1, 2023.
Approaching the two-week mark, wages and job protection remain sticking points between employers and the union.
Last week, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) voiced its concern about the impact of the job action on the mining sector.
Mining companies in BC and across the country use the port to import machinery and equipment and export materials. Estimates peg the cost of the port closure at US$378 million (C$500M) per day.
As containers pile up at the docks, Saskatchewan-based Nutrien has decided to curtail production until a resolution is reached.
"The disruption at the Port of Vancouver has resulted in the curtailment of production at our Cory potash mine and, if prolonged, could also impact production at our other potash mines in Saskatchewan," said Ken Seitz, Nutrien's president and chief executive. "We urge the parties in this dispute to come to a swift resolution to prevent further damage to the Canadian economy."
On Tuesday (July 11), Government of Canada Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan told the federal mediator to send him recommended terms to end the port strike within 24 hours.
"After 11 days of a work stoppage, I have decided that the difference between the employer's and the union's position is not sufficient to justify a continued work stoppage," said O'Regan, in a statement.
"Once I have received the terms of settlement, I will forward them to the parties, and they will have 24 hours to decide whether or not to recommend ratification of the terms to their principals."
