The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services:

Emergency Responders Benefit from Burin Peninsula Training School

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all participants in the spring Fire and Emergency Services Training School held this past week on the Burin Peninsula. Those who participated noted it was an enjoyable and informative event and many complimented the team of staff and regional trainers who provided more than 400 hours of course instruction.

These regional training initiatives, which include more than 40 course options and offer great networking opportunities, are open to members of community councils, fire departments, maintenance personnel and emergency responders, as well as non-governmental organizations and public works departments. Throughout the last week, more than 280 firefighters, municipal officials and emergency management partners from more than 60 organizations participated in intensive training and instruction.

Mr. Speaker, this is the second time our government has partnered with the Town of Marystown and the local fire department to carry out training for first responders, municipal officials, and other emergency management stakeholders. It is essential, both for the protection of our communities and for the safety of responders, to have the necessary training and proper skills to draw upon during emergency situations. This training offered free of charge by the Provincial Government, through Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador, goes a long way in improving emergency response capacity throughout the province.

Our government is committed to assisting our communities to provide the best level of emergency services available. We continue to offer a 50/50 cost-share arrangement for participating communities to assist in covering the expense of travel and accommodations during these educational sessions. Mr. Speaker, as towns and regions begin to exercise and validate emergency management plans, they are realizing how appropriate training is a fundamental component of any emergency response.

As minister, I am delighted to hear of, and see, the cooperation and teamwork that has developed in the emergency management sector. I encourage more communities to take advantage of these excellent opportunities to build capacity for emergency response. Congratulations to all for another successful event and I encourage everyone to keep safety in mind at all times.

2012 06 05             1:45 p.m.