Pour la version en français, veuillez appuyer ici.

Fire Chiefs commend Federal Budget for its ‘smart, clear investments’ in fire, emergency, and affordable housing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“We couldn’t be more pleased about the commitments on firefighter training and equipment” says Chief John McKearney, President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and Whistler Fire Chief. “These are smart, clear investments which Canada’s fire chiefs and firefighters can help maximize”. The Federal Budget contained commitments to both Natural Resources Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.   

The Association was also pleased to see the formation of a Secretariat to support the Minister of Emergency Preparedness. “For many years, fire chiefs have called on the federal government to establish a national advisor or secretariat for fire and emergency in Canada. This is a step in the right direction”, says Chief McKearney.

The association also sees a critical opportunity for all levels of government to make affordable housing the best it can be from a fire and life safety perspective. During the pandemic and wildfires, too many people lost their homes to fire. Canadians may not know that sprinklers in new residential construction and the application of Fire Smart principles can prevent a fire from destroying a home in minutes.

In this regard, CAFC has released its new report Myth Busting and Team Building, Advancing a Win Win for Residential Sprinklers, as it looks at how builders, industry, municipalities, the public and other stakeholders can work together on advancing sprinklers in new residential construction.   

“This budget is a good budget for fire and emergency”, says Chief McKearney, “There are still many challenges on the road ahead, particularly in a sector that relies on 100,000 volunteer firefighters, but we’re on the right track”, say McKearney, “as the details of the funds are fleshed out, the country’s fire chiefs welcome the opportunity to for continued involvement through the CAFC.  

For More Information

Tina Saryeddine,

Executive Director

613-324-1078

tsaryeddine@cafc.ca

About the CAFC: Founded in 1909, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) is an independent, non-profit organization representing approximately 3,500 fire departments across Canada through individual chiefs or its National Advisory Council which includes all provincial, territorial and national affiliate fire related organizations. The CAFC’s vision is Canada’s fire and emergency management leaders united in service of public health and safety. Its mission is to advance safe, effective, and sustainable fire and emergency services across Canada. www.cafc.ca

More:

Read CAFC’s Press Release and Measures here.

Looking for the CAFC's Analysis? Members can read it here.