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FIRE CHIEFS COMMEND FEDERAL RESPONSE

BUT CALL FOR IMPACT MITIGATION ON EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

 

Updates

April 17: Government provides further information on remissions from tariffs for fire departments April 17, 2025: Fire Chiefs issue call to action to help restore fire and life safety equipment in Canada April 15, 2025: Federal Government provides 6 month remissions of fire department equipment. April 4, 2025: CAFC and partners submit over 1000 HS codes for fire and emergency. View them here. April 3, 2025: Finance requests a list of HS codes related to Fire Departments. April 2, 2025: Fire and Life Safety Equipment HS Code List for Tariff Consultation April 2, 2025: Read CAFC’s Letter in response to the Tariff Consultation available here. April 2, 2025: A new consultation for aluminum and steel is available here. March 31, 2025: CAFC held a meeting with 33 members of industry. Find the recording here. Remissions process remains open. You can find the remissions application here.

 

National Fire Administration Needed to Help Feds with Potential Fallout as Wildfire Season Begins

OTTAWA - The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) warns that US imposed tariffs, could severely impact Canadian fire departments' ability to access critical fire and emergency equipment for the impending 2025 fire season.  It commends the establishment of a process for requesting remissions from tariffs for goods that cannot be sourced domestically, like most fire and emergency equipment.

The fire chiefs warn that the necessary retaliatory tariffs could add an additional 25% to essential fire and life safety products, from sprinklers to pumpers, most of which is exclusively sourced from the United States. This will result in even greater challenges for fire departments in maintaining up-to-date equipment and ensuring optimal fire protection and emergency response capabilities. 

“We appreciate the federal government’s actions in this trade war and stand by and for Canada,” says McMullen, President, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. “However, we would be remiss in not explaining the consequences of retaliatory tariffs for fire and emergency equipment. A National Fire Administration would ideally play this advisory role, while ensuring that federal policy on everything from housing to green infrastructure and climate adaptation includes fire and life safety considerations. 

The growing problem of aging fire and life safety equipment has also been brought to the federal government’s attention over the past few years. “Fire departments are already facing a backlog, with nearly 60% deferring equipment purchases for over two years and 20% relying on outdated equipment that no longer meets industry standards. The impact of the necessary retaliatory tariffs on the fire sector will need to be mitigated,” said McMullen, who is also Chief of Emergency Services in Red Deer, Alberta.

The CAFC continues to advocate for a National Fire Administration that would work in collaboration with the Federal government to address fire safety and response issues earlier in the policy development process. The CAFC urges immediate and decisive action to ensure Canadian fire services can continue their vital work.

 

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For more information:

Elissa Freeman for the CAFC,

416-565-5605

 

 

Public Consultations on Tariff Related Issues

 

The Federal government has issued notice of Intent to Impose Countermeasures in Response to United States Tariffs on Canadian Goods. This includes a consultation on tariff impacts (due April 2, 2025) and a process for requesting remissions of tariffs. You can view the page here. The CAFC Science and Technology Committee is coordinating a response.

 

 

Related Media:

This page will be continually updated. Please check back regularly for new content!

CAFC has participated in engaging with media outlets across Canada on this very important matter. Below you will find a collection of interviews completed by the CAFC Board of Directors.

News Articles:
Click each article below to open it into a new tab. Check back regularly for news updates!

 

 

Audio and Video Interviews and Quotes:

 

Published on March 12, 2025

 

 

CTV Morning Live — President Fire Chief Ken McMullen Interview
Link to Interview

 

 

 

Published on March 11, 2025

 

 

CBC Daybreak Kamloops — President Fire Chief Ken McMullen Interview
Link to Interview

 

Video courtesy of CBC Radio One

 

 

Published on March 7, 2025

 

 

 

 

Link to CAFC President McMullen Quote

 

Audio courtesy of1130 NewsRadio Vancouver

 

QR Calgary 770 AM — President Fire Chief Ken McMullen Interview

Link to Shaye Ganam Interview

 

Video courtesy of CHED Edmonton/QR770 Calgary

 

Published on March 6, 2025

 

 

CP24 — Board Member Fire Chief Paul Boissoneault Interview Link to Interview with CP24

 

^{Video courtesy of CP24}