Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham on July 22, 2026, to discuss the dynamic relationship between Canada and the UK. The conversation focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across defence, security, energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

Prime Minister Carney congratulated Prime Minister Burnham on his new role. The leaders emphasized the deep historic ties and shared values that underpin the partnership between the two nations.

Bilateral trade between Canada and the UK stands at $85 billion a year. The prime ministers expressed their intent to build on this momentum to foster greater security, stability, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

The discussion also covered support for Ukraine against Russia's war of aggression. Both leaders underscored their commitment to this cause.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Burnham agreed to maintain close contact moving forward.

Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to discuss the wildfire situation across Canada. The group was briefed on increased wildfire activity, with hundreds of active fires burning in every province and territory. Extreme heat waves and record-breaking dry conditions are resulting in one of the most intense wildfire seasons in the nation's history.

The group discussed the federal government's ongoing coordination with the Government of Ontario and First Nations leadership, including support provided in response to Ontario's Request for Federal Assistance for air evacuation operations. The Prime Minister outlined the federal government's actions to provide urgent assistance wherever required. Nearly 300 water bombers, helicopters, and reconnaissance and evacuation aircraft are actively supporting wildfire response operations.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed four CC-130 Hercules aircraft to support 13 evacuation flights from Eabametoong First Nation (Fort Hope). Wildfire firefighters are using advanced data, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, drones, high-resolution radar imagery, and advanced thermal imaging to support real-time detection and mitigation efforts.

The Prime Minister reiterated the federal government's commitment to deploy every resource needed to keep Canadians safe. He underscored efforts across all levels of government to strengthen Canada's forest management and wildfire response capacity. The group expressed gratitude for the more than 5,300 firefighting personnel deployed across the country this summer, as well as other first responders, CAF personnel, Indigenous leadership, and local officials.

The Prime Minister recognized the generosity of Canadians who have welcomed evacuees, volunteered their time, and supported relief efforts through donations and local initiatives. He acknowledged the Government of Mexico for its support, including its commitment to provide up to 200 firefighters in the coming weeks. The Prime Minister urged those in affected areas to follow instructions from local authorities and asked that non-essential travel to impacted regions be avoided to keep accommodations available for evacuees and responders.

Key Deployments and Support

The Prime Minister directed ministers and senior officials to continue working closely with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to support affected communities.