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The Women Chiefs and Company Officer Sessions at the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) Fire Rescue Canada Conference are pivotal in fostering dialogue and community among women leaders in the fire service. Held on September 22, 2024, in Montreal, QC, this day-long session provided an opportunity for attendees to share stories, engage in deeper conversations about leadership, and address challenges faced by women in male-dominated professions like the fire service. In fact, the conversation portion of the day was one of the most powerful, allowing sharing and acknowledgement of challenges, successes, and strategies. The event featured speakers and engaged participants in meaningful discussions through presentations and round tables.

There were many themes discussed at the session, including themes on building community and connections, overcoming self doubt, internalized sexism, and workplace policies towards women. The 2024 Women Chiefs and Company Officer Session was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, mentorship, and open dialogue in advancing gender equity in the fire service. By addressing internalized biases, fostering inclusivity, and challenging the systemic barriers women face, the fire service can create a more equitable and supportive environment for all its members. The session underscored the need for continued conversations, male allyship, and proactive leadership to pave the way for future generations of women in fire services.

Leaders in the fire service must continue to advocate for inclusive policies, mentorship opportunities, allyship, and systemic changes that support women. By building networks of support and promoting a culture of collaboration and empowerment, the fire service can create a more diverse and resilient workforce. The progress made so far is encouraging, but much work remains to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities to thrive.

The CAFC Board of Directors issued a response to the report, reaffirming their support for the initiative and ways the CAFC can help address the three themes mentioned above. These include the continued work on the statements on bullying, providing women leaders access to the CAFC Rapid Response course on Leadership Development, and working to identify policies that all fire departments should have for women in the fire service.

The CAFC would like to thank Fire Service Women Ontario, Fire Service Women BC and Fire Service Women Central Provinces for their continued partnership in this endevor, as well as moderator Shelley Langille and speakers Chief Keri Martens, Dr. Katherine Lamb, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Susan Jones, and Capt Jenn Dawkins.

Read the report here.