Canada is on fire. Forest fires have already burned thousands of hectares across Western Canada and Nova Scotia and are currently burning through parts of Ontario and Quebec. Much of the country is expected to be under high or extreme risk for fires this summer according to federal government officials. Smoked plumes have deteriorated air quality in many communities making physical work even more difficult for outdoor workers in these areas.
People with respiratory issues could be at risk and must monitor the situation closely.
As previously explained, Canada Post has adopted an operational policy to ensure that appropriate precautionary steps are taken in locations where poor air quality puts people’s health at risk, based on Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI):