July 7, 2009

The capabilities of Volunteer Fire Departments throughout the province have been bolstered with $152,000 in funding, announced at the annual convention of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services this past weekend.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minster of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services�Newfoundland and Labrador, announced the funding at the conference�s ministerial banquet on Sunday evening.

"The Provincial Government is pleased to deliver four separate grants to benefit the over 6,000 volunteer firefighters throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Whalen. "We are undoubtedly committed to supporting the work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services. We acknowledge our collective goal to empower and advance the delivery of critical fire protection and emergency services for the people of our province."

The minister announced four grants:

"The over 300 volunteer fire departments throughout our province provide an essential service to residents and have an immeasurable value to our cities and towns," said the Honorable Dave Denine, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector. "Our government sees enormous value in providing this organization with the necessary funding to deliver their programs and services to their members and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

"The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services is very pleased with the recent funding announced by Minister Whalen on behalf of the Provincial Government," said Chief Vince MacKenzie, President of the NLAFS. "Our long-standing partnership with the Provincial Government enables our association to deliver key programs and services to our member fire departments and in turn our communities. We are once again encouraged by the many opportunities that lay ahead and are committed to strengthening the provincial fire protection and emergency services by retaining our strong working relationship with government."

Other key highlights of the convention included the release of a provincial Minimum Standards Orientation Level Training document and the recruitment and retention report entitled Committee Finding on How Best to Enhance Recruitment and Retention within the Volunteer Fire Service. Both documents can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/ma/fes

"This convention was very worthwhile and positive for all those in attendance," said Minister Whalen. "I firmly believe members engaged in a sincere dialogue and left rejuvenated and encouraged by the commitments of all stakeholders to continue working for the betterment of the provincial fire service."

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