A Republican representative faced backlash Friday for blaming Canada for exporting wildfire smoke into American skies, dismissing the country’s role in fighting California’s own fires.
According to reporting by the Daily Beast, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) complained on Thursday about Canada’s wildfires.
“Michiganders shouldn’t have to breathe Canada’s negligence,” she wrote on X, “YEAR AFTER YEAR the smoke crosses the border while Canada does nothing.”
Critics pointed out Canada had offered significant assistance during California’s 2025 wildfires, with the Canadian government stating, “Team Canada stands ready to reciprocate that support during this time of need.”
Social media users highlighted the hypocrisy.
Dave Mac, a Directors Guild of Canada member, insulted the Congresswoman and countered, “When California was burning who was there? CANADA.”
Progressive commentator David Ro wrote, “When Michigan and Ontario were hit with disastrous Tornados and storms that came From the U.S. mid West. Canada did not complain or threaten the U.S. Instead they sent hundreds of hydro crews to Michigan to get the lights back on. That’s what friends do.”
Watch the video below.
Your browser does not support the video tag.