June 9, 2026
BCPFFA, BCGEU, FCABC standing with MLA Rohini Arora, BC Legislature
The B.C. government recently began its annual budget consultation, and, on June 5th, on behalf of all first responders and burn survivors, BCPFFA President Todd Schierling had the opportunity to present an oral submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria. Allotted 5 minutes, he delivered two recommendations that represent priorities the Association has been advancing on behalf of the membership. In support were FCABC Vice President Dave Sampson and BCGEU Wildfire Rep Jesse Wallace.
Committee Members: MLA Paul Choi (Chair), MLA Donegal Wilson (Deputy Chair), MLA Rohini Arora, MLA Bryan Tepper, MLA Debra Toporowski
June 5 2026 - Transcript
Recommendation 1 — PSPNET: Therapist-Guided Mental Health Care ($233,000)
The first recommendation calls on the Province to commit $233,000 in annual funding to bring PSPNET - a free, confidential, therapist-guided online mental health program - to BC's public safety personnel. PSPNET is delivered by the University of Regina and is already operating in Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Quebec. BC remains one of the few provinces without therapist-guided access.
The need is acute: 44.5% of first responders screen positive for symptoms consistent with one or more mental health disorders - compared to 10.5% of the general population. WorkSafeBC data shows psychological injury claims among BC fire fighters have surged 32% in the past five years. PSPNET's outcomes are strong: within eight weeks of therapist-guided care, anxiety symptoms dropped from 49% to 18%, and depression from 58% to 25%.
The federal government has secured funding through March 31, 2028, covering the majority of infrastructure costs. Our ask to the Province is the incremental investment needed to authorize and deliver Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) to BC's approximately 48,000 public safety personnel including families and retirees.
“The BC Government has set a national standard by breaking down mental health stigma and funding programs like Occupational Awareness Training for firefighters. But the work isn’t done. We must move further upstream to prevent operational stress injuries, ensuring that all Public Safety Personnel (PSP)— their families and retirees are fully integrated into the circle of care.”
People are coming forward, which is partly why costs are rising. Now we need to make sure evidence-based solutions as a preventative measure is available to meet each first responder where they are, early and often, and into their retirement too when needed. (We cannot forget those who served their community).
President Schierling goes on to say, “By channelling PSPNET’s specialized resources through trusted, wide-reaching pillars such as WorkSafeBC, the BC First Responder Mental Health Committee, and the BC Municipal Safety Association, we can deliver vital, proactive support to public safety personnel through employers and associations across every corner of the province.”
Recommendation 2 — Burn Care Pressure Garments ($100,000)
The second recommendation, advanced in partnership with the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, asks the Province to fund custom pressure garments for burn scar treatment - estimated at approximately $100,000 annually for the approximately 145 BC burn survivors who require them.
BC is currently the only major province without a funded program: Saskatchewan provides 100% coverage, Alberta and Ontario cover 75%. At present, the Burn Fund covers only about 20% of the cost, with the remainder falling on vulnerable families at their most difficult moment.
This ask was first advanced during our March lobby and was reinforced before the Committee this week.
Outcomes:
Any Burn survivor in the province of BC can access financial support from the government for prescribed pressure garments for the treatment of burn scars
Optimized treatment outcomes for all burn survivors
Decreased need for surgical intervention for scar contractures and/or large keloid formations
Decreased financial and psychological stress for burn survivors (more seamless process)
More available financial support by the BCPFF Burn Fund for other unfunded needs such as mental health programs.
Next Steps
The budget consultation process is expected to conclude by the end of summer. The Select Standing Committee will then deliberate on all requests and bring forward its recommendations to the Treasury Board, with the Finance Minister, Hon. Brenda Baillie, receiving those recommendations in the fall for consideration in the next provincial fiscal cycle.
BCPFFA will continue to monitor progress and amplify the education and awareness through our advocacy at all levels of government. These initiatives will improve the quality of life for BC’s first responders and burn survivors through online therapy.
ABOUT THE BCPFFA
The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association is a non-profit organization established in 1929 that represents over 5,000 professional firefighters, dispatchers, and support members across 56 local unions in British Columbia and the Yukon. As an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters, the association provides advocacy, training, and support for its members, with a strong focus on health, safety, and legislative lobbying.
ABOUT THE BURN FUND
Since 1978, firefighters have supported burn survivors in BC and the Yukon through the Burn Fund, which helps survivors at every step of recovery. BCPFF Burn Fund’s vision is that every burn survivor in BC and the Yukon can thrive. Their mission is to improve survivors’ lives with personal support, practical programs, and better medical care. They run programs and retreats that empower survivors, provide accommodations for survivors and their families, improve care at BC trauma hospitals, and fund essential resources and treatments.