Smoke from the raging wildfires in Minnesota drifted into parts of eastern Canada on a recent Wednesday . Environment Canada listed areas in Ontario among the worst globally for air quality in recent reports . The region’s urban centers faced urgent warnings about hazardous air from the drifting haze. Prolonged dryness and howling winds helped blazes spread at breakneck speed through Minnesota and nearby states. Toxic smoke drifted north, blanketing Canada in a persistent layer of contaminants.