EXCLUSIVE: The Black Hawk is the most used firefighting helicopter in the world.
Except Canada.
Transport Canada banned it here in 2024.
Then banned US operators from bringing them in in 2025.
The most used heavy firefighting helicopter in the world is operated with a near perfect safety record in:
- The United States
- Australia
- Europe
- New Zealand
- South America
- Asia
- South Africa
But Transport Canada banned it.
Twice.
The RCMP is exempted for border patrol.
It’s the same aircraft type, but different rules
Alberta’s next water bombers don’t arrive until 2031
The country that manufactures the world’s best water bombers can’t use the world’s best firefighting helicopters.
Because Transport Canada says they are unsafe here, but are remarkably fine everywhere in the world.
Every reason cited for the ban is contradicted by the safety record in every other country.
Every year we lose more forest.
Every year we lose more homes.
Every year Transport Canada blocks the fleet that could help.
So yes, the federal government is partially to blame.
Canadians deserves to know the truth