The Manitoba government must do more to reduce the physical and psychological harm to young people caused by wildfires, the provincial advocate for children and youth said Wednesday.

"Manitoba can no longer treat wildfires as one-time emergencies — they are now a constant part of our changing climate," said a six-page written statement from Sherry Gott's office. The office is an independent body that reports to the legislature.

"Every wildfire season that passes without real change deepens the harm, risking generations of children growing up with physical and mental health concerns, lasting trauma, fractured education and recreational opportunities, displacement and disconnection from culture and community, and fading trust in the very systems meant to protect them."

Gott's comments fol

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