The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency
Services�Newfoundland and Labrador, commented today on the productive
exchange of ideas between her officials and the Board of Directors of
the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services (NLAFS). The
minister hosted a luncheon between officials from Fire and Emergency
Services�Newfoundland and Labrador and the NLAFS last Friday, March 6,
in St. John�s.
"Our relationship with the Newfoundland and Labrador
Association of Fire Services provides valuable insight into the issues
and concerns affecting volunteer firefighters throughout our province,"
said Minister Whalen. "We were pleased to once again host a session
where members of the board of directors could present matters from their
respective regions for discussion."
Issues up for discussion included recruitment and
retention of male and female volunteer firefighters, personal protective
equipment replacement policies, Provincial Government investment in fire
equipment, and others. The association meets bi-annually with officials
of Fire and Emergency Services�Newfoundland and Labrador and regularly
with the minister.
"Minister Whalen is a former mayor and has an
extensive background in municipal operation," said NLAFS President
Richard Murphy. "She shows a genuine interest in the fire service and we
hope that she will assist and support the fire service in these trying
times. There are many concerns out there and we are committed to working
with the minister in any way possible to resolve these issues". Mr.
Murphy thanked the minister and her staff for continued co-operation and
assistance.
In 2008, the Provincial Government invested $41,000
towards an annual operating grant for the association, a $60,000 grant
for the Learn Not to Burn fire safety education program administered
province-wide, and $30,000 for the development of a recruitment video.
As well in 2008-09, the Provincial Government invested in excess of $1.9
million towards firefighting equipment for fire departments throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador, with the total including municipal
contributions reaching $2.24 million. This marks the biggest investment
towards provincial fire services in many years.
"Volunteer firefighters provide an invaluable service
to the many towns and communities to which they serve, and the
Provincial Government remains committed to their continued success,"
said Minister Whalen. "The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire
Services ensures that matters of importance to their members are kept at
the forefront of government policy making. We are pleased with the
strong working relationship we have developed together, and we are
confident it will continue."
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