Perry Johnson Wants Canada Penalized Over Wildfire Smoke Drifting Into Michigan

LANSING, Mich. Republican candidate for Michigan governor Perry Johnson says Canada should face economic consequences if it fails to do more to stop wildfire smoke from repeatedly drifting into Michigan.

Johnson says Michigan residents have dealt with unhealthy air, reduced visibility and repeated air quality alerts for three straight summers because of massive Canadian wildfires.

He is calling on Canada to increase forest management, reduce wildfire fuel buildup and improve efforts to prevent and contain major fires before the smoke crosses into the United States.

If Canada fails to act, Johnson says the federal government should consider targeted tariffs or other trade penalties until Canada presents what he considers a credible plan to reduce the problem.

Johnson is also taking aim at Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. John James.

Johnson says James has not done enough in Congress to address the recurring smoke problem. James sent a letter to Canadian officials in 2025, but Johnson argues stronger legislative and diplomatic action should have followed.

Canadian wildfire smoke has repeatedly blanketed Michigan, triggering air quality alerts and warnings for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions to limit time outdoors.

Johnson says that if elected governor, he would push the president, Congress and other Great Lakes states to demand stronger action from Canada and seek accountability for the economic impact on Michigan.

Trade policy, however, is controlled by the federal government, meaning a Michigan governor could pressure Washington but could not independently impose tariffs on Canada.

The Question: Should the United States hit Canada with economic penalties over recurring wildfire smoke, or should the two countries work together to address the wildfire problem?