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Municipal Affairs
March 10, 2009

Provincial Government Continues Strong Working Relationship with Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services

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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Media contacts:

Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca
Richard Murphy
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services
709-651-2361
nlafcff@nf.sympatico.ca

2009 03 10                                                   10:10 a.m.


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