Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
March 31, 2014

Delivering Unprecedented Fire Safety Investments

Over $5 Million Invested to Support Fire Services, Equipment and Vehicles

The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, was joined by Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis, and Vince MacKenzie, President of NL Association of Fire Services, to announce significant funding for fire trucks and equipment through Budget 2014, Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook. The announcement of more than $5 million in funding to support communities throughout the province, was made today at the fire hall in the Town of Pouch Cove.

“I am extremely proud to be in Pouch Cove today, alongside the brave women and men who protect our residents during times of emergency and distress. Recognizing the importance of fire services, through Budget 2014 the Provincial Government has allocated over $5 million to fund firefighting equipment and vehicles. This is a $3 million increase in vehicle funding from last year and is the largest investment we have made in this area to date.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Beginning this fiscal year, $120,000 will be provided annually for Hazardous Material Response Training. This training will enable the nine participating fire departments to maintain and enhance Hazardous Material Response capability.

“On behalf of residents, I am grateful for the support provided by the Provincial Government to the Pouch Cove Fire Department in recent years. We have seen considerable investment in this community and the expanded funding program in Budget 2014 will allow further investments in this and other regions.”
- MHA Kevin Parsons, Cape St. Francis

In addition to supporting the purchase of equipment and vehicles, Budget 2014 also includes $530,000 to support municipalities in the acquisition of personal protection equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatuses for firefighters.

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services is pleased and encouraged by the continued support demonstrated by the Provincial Government through the significant funding of fire services through Budget 2014. I look forward to further announcements on these investments in the coming months.”
- Vince MacKenzie, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Through Budget 2014 over $5 million is being invested to support fire services, equipment and vehicles.
• The Provincial Government is also committing $530,000 for the purchase of safety equipment, and $120,000 annually for Hazardous Material Response Training.
• Since 2003, the Provincial Government has contributed to the purchase of 125 emergency response vehicles for communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
• In 2012-13 the Provincial Government funded the purchase of a Fire Rescue Unit for the Town of Pouch Cove with an investment of $122,000, and in 2013-14, $19,000 was committed for vehicle extrication equipment, to further support services in the region.
• There are approximately 5,900 volunteer firefighters supporting approximately 272 fire departments province-wide.

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2014 03 31             12:35 p.m.