JASPER AFTERMATH CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS ASK FEDS: WHY ARE WE STILL WAITING FOR A NATIONAL FIRE ADMINISTRATION?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

In the wake of the Jasper wildfires, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) continues to express concern over the lack of federal policy around fire and life safety in this country and are calling for the immediate formation of a National Fire Administration by Fall 2024.

According to the CAFC, a National Fire Administration would coordinate, advise, lead and support the complexity of the fire situation in Canada, just as other comparator countries like the United States, Japan and Australia have done.

Currently, fire safety policy is spread across at least a dozen different federal ministries. “It’s vital to put the right resources in the right place for the protection of all Canadians,” says Ken McMullen, President, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. “The government has committed to providing emergency assistance to provinces when called upon; but adding and training more fire fighters is only the tip of the iceberg and does not provide a complete answer.”

As the situation stands now, multiple levels of government and agencies are trying to address ongoing wildfire crises and other safety issues around housing, green infrastructure, electric vehicles, and fireworks regulation. Currently, there is a lack of substantive understanding by policy makers that often go in circles with proposals that don’t work for them.

 “We are now at a tipping point in this country where this lack of coordination becomes exacerbated each year and Canadians and fire fighters will pay for the cost of inaction,” says Ken McMullen. “The CAFC has already done a great deal of work on this issue with the Federal government, and we hope to hear about the formation of a National Fire Administration in the next Fall Economic Statement.”

For more information:

Elissa Freeman
For the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
416-565-5605

About the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

Founded in 1909, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) is an independent, non-profit organization representing approximately 3,200 fire departments across Canada.  The CAFC’s vision is to see 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.