Minister Reaffirms Consistent Support for Municipal Fire Protection Services

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, was surprised today at the third party’s unfounded attempts to question the Provincial Government’s commitment to municipal fire protection services.

“Our government has been working diligently with municipalities to ensure efficient, effective fire protection services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and I am surprised the third party fails to acknowledge the good work underway,” said Minister O’Brien. “We recognize the critical role the approximately 5,900 volunteer firefighters play in ensuring the safety and security of residents and are dedicated to providing fire departments with continued support and assistance.”

Since the creation of Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) in 2007, the Provincial Government has made significant progress in a number of important areas with a view to improving and enhancing community fire protection services:

• Financial assistance programs for firefighting vehicles and equipment. Since FES-NL was created, approximately $20 million has been allocated towards new firefighting vehicles and equipment to improve access to necessary firefighting tools.
• A new Volunteer Firefighters’ Tax Credit worth $1.4 million implemented last year for those firefighters who provide at least 200 hours of service annually. This credit sees a maximum benefit to an individual firefighter of $231 a year.
• Active engagement with communities who have expressed an interest in improving services through co-operation and the potential sharing of services in their region.
• Ongoing open discussions with key stakeholders to provide both municipalities and their fire departments with guidance and advice on issues such as fire and life safety matters, training, recruitment and retention.
• Twice annually, FES-NL offers free regional training school opportunities to continue to bolster the knowledge of the municipal fire service. In addition, the Provincial Government also provides assistance for travel and accommodations of $30,000 annually to support this initiative.

“Our government will continue to work with our partners and stakeholders including the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services and Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador to find the best route forward for any communities experiencing challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers,” said Minister O’Brien. “A ‘one size fits all’ approach is not necessarily the best way forward and we remain committed to working in partnership with all our local governments to enhance the fire protection services provided by municipalities.”

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca

2012 11 27                         5:35 p.m.