Municipal Affairs
May 2, 2013
 
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services:
 

Minister Encourages Registration for Upcoming Training School

Mr. Speaker, any fire chief or emergency management professional will tell you that prevention and training are two of the most important tools available to help keep the residents of our province safe and protected.  That’s why I am once again pleased to highlight the Provincial Government’s upcoming Fire and Emergency Services Training School taking place in Grand Falls-Windsor May 25 to 31.

Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) has been coordinating these large-scale regional training schools for five years now, leading the training efforts among community staff and volunteers and ensuring these important individuals have access to high quality, effective training.  These initiatives include more than 40 course options in both fire protection and emergency management, including pump operations, exercise design, and basic emergency management. This upcoming training school in Grand Falls-Windsor offers a great opportunity for local emergency responders and town officials to learn the best possible ways to manage an emergency situation.
 
Mr. Speaker, our government is pleased to partner yet again with the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and the local fire department to bring this school to the central region for what promises to be another great event. Routinely, the central region boasts the highest attendance rates and we are hopeful as many organizations as possible take part in the diverse opportunities offered.

Training school is offered at no cost to officials and volunteers in our communities and is open to members of municipal councils, fire departments, public works, maintenance personnel, emergency response organizations, and non-governmental organizations. I encourage interested individuals to visit the FES-NL website to register.  The registration deadline is fast approaching and applications should be received no later than May 10.
 
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Provincial Government is pleased to make up to $30,000 available through a 50/50 cost-share arrangement for municipalities to assist with the travel and accommodation expenses incurred in sending individuals to training school.
 
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
 
2013 05 02                                        2:00 p.m.