Federal Announcement for Support as Wildfire Season approaches in B.C.

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Natural Resources Canada

May 13, 2022, 14:15 ET

VANCOUVER, BC, May 13, 2022 /CNW/ - As wildfires become more common and more extreme, the Government of Canada is focused on keeping people safe while strengthening Canada's long-term response.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources; the Honourable Bill Blair, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness; and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, spoke about steps taken so far to support communities hit by wildfires and new measures for this year's fire season and for seasons to come. 

The ministers were joined by the Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; the First Nations Emergency Services Society; the First Nations Health Council; the First Nations Leadership Council; and Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, as well as representatives from Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

Support for communities affected by last season's wildfires, including:

  • Approximately $416 million in federal funding through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program for response and rebuild costs associated with the 2021 wildfires in British Columbia, including Lytton.

  • $24 million in recovery funding for Lytton First Nation, including for 39 interim housing units.

  • In addition, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provides funding to support First Nations across the country to prepare for, prevent and mitigate emergency events, including wildfire. In 2021–22, ISC provided $17.5 million to support this work.

  • Response in 2021 to 14 requests from British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario for emergency support on wildfires, including the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel and resources for evacuations and firefighting.

Next steps for the 2022 season on beyond, including:

  • $516 million through Budget 2022 for communities across the country to:

    • train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management

    • help provinces, territories and First Nations communities buy firefighting equipment

    • develop a new wildfire monitoring satellite system

  • Over $8.4 million in 2022 through the First Nations Emergency Services Society to support emergency planning, preparedness and response in First Nations communities in British Columbia

  • A commitment to a June 10 meeting of the Joint Committee to Address Extreme Weather and Climate Resilience

The Ministers were joined by officials from NRCan, as well as members of the First Nations Emergency Services Society. Current projections indicate that this could be a challenging summer for wildfires in parts of the country. Forecasts for warm, dry weather indicate the potential for increased fire activity across much of Canada. NRCan publicly shares forecasting for the fire season with full transparency regarding the uncertainty inherent in these projections.

Since 2019, we have made significant investments into the mitigation and prevention of wildfire events and the recovery from them. These include $61 million through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, which goes directly to communities in British Columbia, and $7 million in specific FireSmart Funding to support wildfire risk reduction.

Canada is currently developing its first National Adaptation Strategy, working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners, to make communities safer and more resilient. Public consultation on the National Adaptation Strategy will launch soon, with a targeted release of the strategy by fall 2022.

The Government of Canada is committed to keeping all Canadians safe as all orders of government work together to prepare for the 2022 wildfire season.

Quotes

"We have seen the devastating effects wildfires and natural disasters can have on Canadians and their communities, and the Government of Canada is here to support those Canadians and those communities. We recognize the importance of protecting our communities in the face of ever-changing threats, many of them increased by climate change. Preventive measures will help increase our resilience."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources

"Last year, extreme weather devastated British Columbia, taking lives, destroying communities and the livelihoods of so many. With the changing climate, all orders of government and emergency management partners need to take strong action to prepare for future emergencies, including wildfires. We must adapt to this changing reality and build up our collective preparedness and response capacity. The Government of Canada is unwavering in our commitment to support Canadians as we build resiliency to the threats that exist right across the country."

The Honourable Bill Blair
President of the Queen's Privy Council and Minister of Emergency Preparedness

"Climate change is here, it's real, and we need to push together more than ever to protect our communities, our forests and wildlife and our food supply from longer and hotter summer months. We must recognize First Nation leaders and organizations for the care and dedication focused on their communities as we continue to advance emergency response measures in the short term and the long term. Investments from Budget 2022 are an important step to placing Indigenous knowledge at the forefront of emergency management while we continue to our work on the path to reconciliation."

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

"In the face of climate disasters, no community can be left behind. While we work to reduce pollution and slow down the rate of climate change, we must adapt and prepare for its impacts. This is why our government is developing the first ever National Adaptation Strategy — to make sure we have the tools needed to build a more climate-ready Canada."

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada

"In many ways, British Columbia is on the front lines of climate change in Canada. It's clear that we all need to do more to keep our communities safe and prepared for future wildfire seasons. We have made significant new investments to better protect people and communities against future climate disasters. We're grateful for the Government of Canada's support as we continue improving our mitigative infrastructure, collective preparedness and response."

The Honourable Mike Farnworth
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, British Columbia

"In British Columbia, wildfires are becoming more severe as a result of climate change. I had the chance to visit some of the BCWS fire camps in 2021 and saw first-hand how devastating wildfires can be for people and their communities. We are transforming the BC Wildfire Service into a proactive, year-around service, and we are working to help people on the ground better prepare for, and recover from, future wildfires. This investment by the Government of Canada will help with wildfire mitigation, response, monitoring and, most importantly, keeping people safe." 

The Honourable Katrine Conroy
Minister of Forests, British Columbia

Quick facts

  • In the last five years, the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement has contributed over $580 million to provinces and territories, and has committed an additional $693 million, to assist with the response and recovery costs associated with wildfires.

  • The following amounts have been paid out so far:
    Paid to date:

    • Saskatchewan: $6,892,598

      • 2017 Wildfires, $6,892,598

    • Alberta: $323,164,211

      • 2016 Wildfires (Fort McMurray), $307,000,000

      • 2019 Wildfires, $16,164,211

    • British Columbia: $257,860,792

      • 2017 July Wildfires, $191,910,549

      • 2018 Wildfire, $65,950,243

    • Grand Total: $587,917,601

  • Budget 2022 laid out $24.7 million over five years, including $5.4 million dedicated to establishing a Privy Council secretariat to support the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and to enhance federal response coordination.

  • Indigenous Services Canada's Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) reimburses First Nations, provinces and territories and third-party emergency management providers 100 percent of eligible response and recovery costs, including evacuation costs.

  • A request for federal assistance (RFA) is how a province or territory formally requests support from the federal government in their emergency response efforts. The following wildfire-related RFAs were received in 2021:

    • Ontario submitted two RFAs for wildfire support in Northwestern Ontario:

      • July 11 to September 12, 2021: the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) provided airlift evacuation support for the residents of Poplar Hill First Nation and Deer Lake First Nation.

      • July 19 to August 27, 2021: CAF Rangers were deployed to support host communities with wildfire accommodations and social services to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and local municipalities.

    • Manitoba submitted two RFAs for wildfires:

      • July 14 to August 10, 2021: CAF firefighters provided support in the eastern, western and northern regions.

      • This request was formally extended from August 10 to August 24, 2021.

    • British Columbia submitted nine RFAs:

      • July 14 to August 30, 2021: the CAF provided air lift evacuation support to Anaheim Lake; July 31 to August 30, 2021, and August 16 to August 30, 2021: this support was formally extended (3 RFAs).

        • July 5, 2021 to July 19, 2021: the CAF provided air assistance to the Village of Lytton and rapidly spread to the wildland north of Lytton; this assistance was formally extended from July 18 to August 30, 2021, July 31 to August 30, 2021 and August 16 to August 30, 2021 (4 RFAs).

        • July 31 to August 30, 2021: the CAF provided wildfire operations support to BC wildfire hotspots over 240,000 hectares of BC landscape; from August 30 to September 5, 2021, this support was formally extended (2 RFAs).

    • Federally, an additional RFA was received for facility assistance. From 15 August to 26 August 2021, the CAF provided the RCMP with accommodations at the Vernon Cadet Camp for RCMP members engaged in law enforcement in areas impacted by wildfires.

  • FPT partners are working together under the auspices of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers to implement the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy to enable national wildfire resilience.

  • Current information on national fire conditions is available publicly at all times through NRCan's Canadian Wildland Fire Information System. Additionally, during the fire season, the Canadian Forest Service supports emergency and fire management agencies through the development of situation reports (fire weather forecasts, situational awareness) and the delivery of fire growth and behaviour models.

  • The Government of Canada, through Environment and Climate Change Canada, is committed to providing support to all our partners by supplying weather information, including detailed precipitation and wind forecasts, smoke dispersion predictions and air quality forecasts. Access the latest weather information with weather.gc.ca.

Associated links

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Provincial Announcement: Presumptive Cancer Coverage

For immediate Release:

On April 22, 2022, the BC Government officially announced the expansions to the presumptive occupational disease coverage for fire fighters in BC.. The changes to Workers Compensation Act received royal assent on March 31, 2022. This includes the following cancers now presumptively covered: Ovarian, Cervical, and Penile, along with reduced latency periods for Testicular and Colorectal Cancers (from 20 years to 10 years accumulation period); and Esophageal Cancer (from 25 years to 20 years).

Source: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022LBR0009-000637

BC Provincial Government Announcement Regarding Presumptive Cancer Coverage

On Monday, March 7, 2022, during the 11th Annual Robert E. Hall Legislative Virtual Conference Premier John Horgan and the Honourable Minister Harry Bains announced these expansions to the 100 IAFF delegates in attendance.

President Ditchburn says, “We are extremely thankful for the support of Premier Horgan, Minister of Labour Bains and all of Government in announcing the expansion of the presumptive list of occupational diseases recognized by WorkSafeBC — two of which are female cancers, cervical and ovarian. Our women fire fighters who are on the frontlines must be recognized, and we stand with them in our collective provincial advocacy for health, safety and support for all members. Further to this, the reduction in cumulative latency periods for Colo-rectal, Testicular and Esophageal cancers proves the government is listening and acting. This adds to our list of occupational diseases, which will now have eighteen illnesses/diseases as being recognized by the Workers Compensation Act, in being related to the profession of fire fighting.”

Cancer is an epidemic in Canada’s Fire Service. Fire fighters have two-and-a-half times the risk of developing cancer and acute coronary syndromes than the general population. Fire fighters face chronic exposure to heat, smoke, diesel exhaust, and toxic flame retardants. These carcinogenic chemicals are absorbed, inhaled, and ingested into the fire fighters’ skin, airways, and gastrointestinal system at building fires, car fires, dumpster fires, even kitchen fires. Carcinogens also accumulate on and inside the fire fighters’ protective bunker gear and in their fire stations.

Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling goes on to say, “This announcement demonstrates that the BC government is listening and acting!  We have much more work to do in the area of prevention and education to ensure Fire Departments are following best practices to reduce exposures for fire fighters. The BCPFFA Occupational Health and Safety committee and local leaders continue to build resources and work with partners like WorkSafeBC, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN).”

According to the IAFF, cancer is by far the number one cause of fire fighter line of duty deaths in Canada with more than 400 Canadian IAFF Fire Fighters succumbing to the disease as a direct result of their duties over a 10 year period (2012 to 2022).

Since 1987, 89 (eighty-nine) of the 151 (one hundred and fifty one) BC Fire Fighter Line of Duty Deaths listed here have occurred as a result of Occupational Cancer. Their families have received compensation benefits through WorkSafeBC, made possible by Government Legislation. The compensation although minimal overall does provide compensation to families in the loss of their loved one. The Federal Government also recognizes Line of Duty Deaths with a Memorial Grant Program for First Responders.

With the addition of the 3 cancers (Ovarian, Cervical and Penile) there are 16 presumptive cancers, plus heart injury/disease and Operational Stress Injury (OSI) recognized by WorkSafe for BC Fire Fighters.

Occupational Disease and Minimum Employment Years

  1. Primary Site Leukemia - 5 years

  2. Primary Site Brain cancer - 10 years

  3. Primary Site Colorectal cancer - 10 years

  4. Primary Site Testicular cancer - 10 years

  5. Primary Site Breast cancer - 10 years

  6. Primary Site Ovarian cancer - 10 years

  7. Primary Site Cervical cancer - 10 years

  8. Primary Site Penile cancer - 15 years

  9. Primary Site Prostate cancer - 15 years

  10. Multiple Myeloma cancer - 15 years

  11. Primary Site Bladder cancer - 15 years

  12. Primary Site Ureter cancer - 15 years

  13. Primary Site Non-smoker’s Lung cancer - 15 years

  14. Primary site Esophageal cancer - 20 years

  15. Primary Site Kidney cancer. - 20 years

  16. Primary Site Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma - 20 years   

  17. Operational Stress Injury - N/A

  18. Heart Disease & Heart Injury - N/A


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For more information

Contact BCPFFA OFFICE

E: info@bcpffa.org

Ph: 604.436.2053

ABOUT ROBERT E. HALL

Robert was a fire fighter with Vancouver, Local 18 and he was a leading voice as BCPFFA Secretary-Treasurer in a decade-long lobby to have the BC Government recognize health risks in fire fighters. On October 31, 2005 Robert led us to the Legislature in Victoria and sat in the public gallery for the first reading of the Worker's Compensation Amendment Act. It recognized 7 cancers as occupational diseases for fire fighters {Brain, Bladder, Colorectal, Kidney, Ureter, Primary non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and primary leukaemia}. Since then, Testicular, Lung, Esophageal, Prostate, Breast and Multiple Myeloma cancers and Heart Disease have been added as presumptive.

On August 27, 2007 Rob succumbed to Occupational Cancer. BC Fire Fighters will be forever grateful of his leadership and vision in working with the provincial government to recognize and improve fire fighters' health and safety.

With the recent announcement, the Workers Compensation Act will recognize eighteen occupational diseases as being related to the profession of fire fighting.

Delegation and guest government speakers at the 11th Annual Robert E. Hall Virtual Conference

Bill C224 Support for National Framework for Cancers Linked to Fire Fighting

The IAFF 29th Canadian Legislative Conference 2022, Ottawa

Lobbying for issues impacting Canada’s professional fire fighters and medical personnel.

Learn more

April 4, 2022 - Update

The IAFF has advocated for the support of Bill C-224, which first reached the House of Commons at the end of January, put forward by Quebec MP Sherry Romanado.

On April 4, 2022, there was overwhelming support for Bill C-224 by a number of members of parliament at the 2nd reading. Supported by

  • Don Davies, MP - Vancouver - Kingsway, NDP

  • Chris Lewis, MP - Exon, Conservative

  • John Aldag, MP - Cloverdale - Langley City, Liberal

  • Todd Doherty, MP - Cariboo - Prince George, Conservative (deferred to 3rd reading due to time limits)

Bill C-224 proposes a national framework for cancers linked to firefighting act that will assist with prevention, treatments, and ensuring adequate support is there if a fire fighter develops job related cancer.

2nd Reading of Support for National Framework for Cancers Linked to Fire Fighting

2nd Reading of Support for National Framework for Cancers Linked to Fire Fighting

Canadian Government Announces Funding for IAFF Response to Wildland Interface Training

Canadian Government Announces Funding for IAFF Response to Wildland Interface Training

April 8, 2022 Update

The 2022 Budget allocates $37.9 million over five years for improved wildland firefighting resources, including $600,000 in ongoing funding to bring the IAFF’s Responding to the Interface (RTI) wildland training program to Canada, where it will be used to help the federal government honour its commitment to provide wildland response training to 1,000 fire fighters.

Learn More About IAFF Wildland Response… 

Development Manager, Burn Fund

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

About the job

From rescue to recovery, fire fighters have answered the call to support burn survivors across BC and the Yukon since 1978. Established by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is dedicated to supporting burn survivors throughout their recovery every step of the way. From enhancing survivor care at BC’s trauma hospitals to providing emotional support for survivors of all ages, the Burn Fund empowers, supports, and builds resilience for burn survivors and their families.

More than 4,200 professional fire fighters from 53 communities across BC and the Yukon champion the Burn Fund’s vision. They dedicate their time and skills to support burn survivors and increase the public’s knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund supports these fire fighters through mental health and resilience-building programs and the Home Away Program.

A champion for the Burn Fund resides in all 53 professional fire fighter associations around BC and Yukon. Whether these fire fighters give of their time at Burn Camp, volunteer at Bright Nights, support Burn Fund outreach in their home communities, or raise funds and awareness, they become a vital part of a province-wide network of support for burn survivors.

Opened in March 2016, the Burn Fund Centre is a testament to the vision of fire fighters, donors, volunteers, and staff who brought it to life. The Burn Fund Centre is an iconic building nestled in the heart of Main Street. Located within the Burn Fund Centre is the Home Away program, where eight furnished suites with common amenities are available to burn survivors and their families, and fire fighters, while undergoing medical treatment in Vancouver.

For the past 22 years, the Burn Fund has partnered with the Vancouver Park Board to present the magic and illumination of Bright Nights in Stanley Park. This popular event marks the beginning of the holiday season for many BC families as they take in the many displays and participate in activities while waiting for an enchanted train ride. Fire Fighter and burn survivor volunteers transform the park into a winter wonderland with more than three million twinkling lights. The Burn Fund’s latest fundraiser is the Bright Nights 50/50, an extension of Vancouver’s favourite holiday tradition.

About the Position

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this newly created role of Development Manager will lead and oversee all aspects of fundraising and philanthropic endeavours for the Burn Fund. This key leadership position will work towards building long-term relationships with donors and corporate sponsors, leading to a significant increase in long-term revenue. This role will be responsible for identifying prospects, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies, soliciting, and closing on donor gifts and ensures appropriate stewardship of donors.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities

  • Strategizes and executes on organizational fundraising targets

  • Develops and implements philanthropic business plan to help achieve fundraising goals

  • Responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the assigned portfolios

  • Responsible for management, engagement and communication with key fundraising volunteers and committees

  • Manages the major and planned giving expense budgets; develops and manages the fundraising events expense budgets

  • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with appropriate external sources and represents the Society as required

  • Develops, cultivates, and solicits through on-going relationships with key donors, volunteers, and prospects

  • Oversees all aspects of and supports a strong volunteer team to deliver key events

  • Other duties as required to meet the needs of the role in relation to organizational goals

About you

As a seasoned development champion, you thrive in multi stakeholder environments, whereby your negotiation skills are only surpassed by your passion for supporting an amazing cause. You are extremely comfortable educating donors on how funds will be leveraged, and love encouraging ongoing financial support of the organization. Additionally, you genuinely enjoy assisting in the execution of key events that contribute to the overall development strategy and flourish in environments whereby you are able to support a group of extremely passionate and cause-focused volunteers

Experience/Skills/Education

  • 3-5 years of progressive Development/Fundraising experience

  • Proven ability to effectively interact with prospective and current donors with skill, tact, discretion, and compassion.

  • In-depth experience with the principles of effective donor cultivation and solicitation.

  • Excellent oral, written, analytical, project management and organizational skills. Intermediate MS Office skills

  • Familiarity with google suite would be an asset

  • Knowledge of fundraising, database software, preferably Raisers Edge

  • A post-secondary education with a focus on Not-for-Profit Management and/or Fundraising would be an asset.

  • Familiar with fundraising best practices, tools, programs, emerging trends, and potential issues.

  • A deep network of donors in British Columbia would be an asset

  • Able to contribute innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Benefits of collaborating with us

We offer a flexible, inclusive, and diverse work environment:

  • An excellent employee benefits package for you and your dependents

  • An office laptop and necessary equipment

  • Cell phone allowance

  • The ability to work from home on occasion

  • Support for appropriate training and development initiatives

  • Generous leave provisions (vacation, personal days and, typically, a Christmas holiday closure), as well as 12 paid statutory holidays per year

  • Competitive salary

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Please email your cover letter and resume in a single word or PDF file to Shannon Okun at shannon@reimaginehr.ca, being sure to include the position title in the subject line. This posting will remain open until filled and screening will be ongoing. 

We kindly ask that applications be sent by email only—no fax or mail applications please—and request that you do not phone. Due to the high number of applications, we receive, only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in the Burn Fund.

Apply via Linkedin

Burn Camp Coordinator

About the job

BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

Short-Term Contract Opportunity

The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is looking to fill a four-month contract position for the role of Burn Camp Coordinator.

About Burn Camp

Burn Camp is one of the oldest and most successful programs delivered by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association Burn Fund. The camp is held at the Cheakamus Centre near Squamish, where approximately 75 children and youth from across British Columbia come together for a safe, fun summer camp experience. Supported by an amazing volunteer team, including both fire fighters and care professionals (nurses, social workers, counsellors), campers are provided the psychological and social support to best ensure future success at home, at school, and in their community. The camp provides a safe and comfortable environment where children make new friends, challenge themselves, learn new skills, and spend time in the great outdoors. For 2022, the Burn Fund intends to operate an in-person camp from July 17-22.

About the role

The Burn Camp Coordinator will provide administrative support for the camp committee and serve as the liaison to the committee on behalf of the Burn Fund. More specifically, key duties will include:

  • budgeting, committee meetings, itinerary, logistics (volunteer, facility, travel, etc.), registration, post-camp evaluations and reports, as well as other duties as required to support the committee to activate the camp.

The four-month contract to serve as the Burn Camp Coordinator will run from April to July 2022. The coordinator will be paid $11,200 + GST, based on a rate of $35/hour and an average of 80 hours/month.

The successful candidate will be highly organized and a superior communicator who is comfortable communicating across all mediums (in-person, email, Google meetings). Previous experience working with volunteers is essential, and experience working with/for the fire fighter and/or burn survivor community is considered an asset.

How to apply

The application deadline is Thursday, March 24th, 2022. Applications are to be emailed to info@burnfund.org and can be made to the attention of Jeff Sauvé, Executive Director. Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Residents need fire fighters in Kitimat when they need them

Residents need fire fighters in Kitimat when they need them

Kitimat Fire fighters are at the breaking point, Kitimat Council needs to make public safety a top priority and ensure we have enough firefighter/paramedics to protect our community.

Learn more
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FIGHTING FIRES

Seconds matter during emergencies

  • House fires double in size every 30 seconds. It is important for firefighters to arrive on scene quickly with enough firefighters to be able to rescue you and your family.

  • WorkSafeBC requires us to have 4 firefighters on scene before we can go into a fire. We cannot rescue you and your family if we don't have 4 firefighters on scene.

  • Kitimat Firefighters do not have enough firefighters to provide for effective, efficient, and safe emergency operations as required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) Standard 1710.

The Kitimat Firefighters are simply asking Council to give their firefighters the tools they need to do their jobs and to keep you safe.

Firefighting is a science, and how many firefighters show up when you call 911 should not come down to politics.

Learn more

  • 4 Firefighters on the Engine: The NFPA 1710 standard is based on science and research and it says fire engines and ladders should always each have a minimum of four firefighters.

  • 2 Paramedics per Ambulance: Our industry uses a standard called NFPA 1710 to determine how to properly staff fire halls, fire trucks and ambulances.

  • 4 Firefighters on a Ladder Truck: The NFPA 1710 standard is based on science and research and it says how many firefighters should show up to a fire and how many firefighters should be on a fire truck.

 

AMBULANCE SERVICE:

Kitimat Fire fighters provide paramedic first response and transport for Kitimat, BC. They are the ONLY fire fighters in BC to provide this level of service.

Regularly, the ambulances are doing emergency calls outside of Kitimat and when that happens, Kitimat Firefighters don't have enough firefighters in town to keep Kitimat safe.

Kitimat Fire fighter/Paramedics regularly respond to Terrace, Prince Rupert, and as far away as Smithers for medical calls on the ambulance.

Sign up below to receive regular updates about Kitimat Firefighters and issues that are impacting your community.

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You Can't Be What You Can't See

On March 8th 2022, we proudly recognized “International Women’s Day”. This is a significant day for us all as we gather here to advocate and lobby for improvements to the fire service, improvements that encompass all of the women and men who proudly wear our uniform . We are incredibly fortunate to have a number of very progressive women committed to bettering not only the fire service, but bettering the experience for women in the fire service through dialogue on issues facing women in the fire service. These issues include training, health &  safety, clothing & equipment, and workplace and employment issues. 

President Gord Ditchburn says,

“Quite frankly, women are very deserving of a voice not only in the fire service but everywhere and we are committed to find improvement on these subjects. We continue to strongly advocate for the addition of female reproductive cancers as part of the presumptive cancers recognized by WorkSafe and enacted by Government.Last year we created the Women’s Advisory Committee, to research, provide first hand experience  and advocate for change, and we are here to work with government to affect those positive changes. “

The BCPFFA created the Women’s Advisory Committee to advise the Executive on issues facing women in the fire service, including training, safety, equipment, and other workplace and employment issues. 


Please join us in celebrating International Women’s day and recognize the incredible women we have within the Fire Service.

 

Newly Appointed Executive Director of the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund

Jeff Sauvé, Burn Fund Executive Director

The BCPFFA is extremely pleased to extend a warm welcome to Jeff Sauvé, the newly appointed Executive Director of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. With over two decades in sport, Jeff has served as the leader of various non-profit organizations, including with national and provincial organizations. Some of Jeff's career highlights include: serving as a consultant with the Toronto Maple Leafs, his role in bringing international rugby events to Canada, and serving on various national committees for the Canadian Olympic Committee.

“Jeff is an incredibly driven, smart and compassionate leader. I know our talented staff team and board of directors will enjoy working with him.  His extensive experience, professionalism and aptitude for the position is recognized by many in the non-profit sector. I am pleased with our decision in selecting such a prominent leader who will help our organization continue to grow and serve the needs of survivors of burns and trauma across the province.” says President Gord Ditchburn. 

Jeff is a highly regarded, progressive, and strategic leader with a track record of collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, strengthening communities, raising funds, and supporting deserving programs and individuals.

Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling goes on to say, “We are thrilled that Jeff has joined the Burn Fund team! Jeff has extensive experience in providing senior leadership in various provincial and national organizations and has been successful in collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to build sustainable financial platforms, activating a variety of campaigns and events to raise funds, including those affiliated with BC gaming.”

Jeff is a graduate of Queen's University where he competed for the Golden Gaels in ice hockey and lacrosse. Jeff holds a Masters degree from the University of Windsor and a certificate in Strategic Leadership from the UBC’s Sauder School of Business. As a current member of the Psychology of Exercise, Health, and Physical Activity Laboratory at UBC, Jeff is nearing completion of a PhD he has been working on in his spare time over the last six years.

Jeff can be contacted by

Source: Burn Fund newsletter “The Locals’ News”

About Jeff Sauvé
 

Jeff Sauvé, Burn Fund’s Executive Director (with our Home Away Stress Intervention Dog ‘Benji”)

 

Vancouver Local 18 sister elected to IAFF Human Relations Committee

Jack Jessop biennial Canadian Policy Conference

On behalf of the BCPFFA, we would like to congratulate one of our own BC members, from IAFF Local 18 Vancouver sister Katrina Davison on her success in attaining the honour of being elected to the IAFF Human Relations Committee at the Jack Jessop Biennial Canadian Conference. Sister Davison who serves on Vancouver Local 18’s Executive Board as Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion brings a multitude of skills that will serve to enhance the great work of this IAFF Committee.

The Jack Jessop Biennial Canadian Policy Conference was hosted virtually on February 7 & 8, 2022.

As part of the Canadian Policy Conference, two positions on the IAFF’s Human Relations Committee were selected as Canadian representatives. These positions are of the six elected positions dedicated solely to Canada (3 District VP’s, 1 Trustee and 2 Human Relations Committee) and serve to represent Canadian IAFF members. 

Three candidates put forth their names to serve on this committee and as a result, an election took place with for the two positions. The results were announced on February 8th, 2022. 

  • Clive Deonarine L1092 - Elected 

  • Katrina Davison L18 - Elected 

We would like to thank Ann Bryan of Local 498 Kingston for her dedication and commitment in serving on the IAFF Human Relations Committee for the past decade.

As per the IAFF, the IAFF Elected Human Relations Committee (EHRC), composed of 16 elected members, develops and recommends policies and procedures for affiliates. Since 1988, it has assisted IAFF members in improving relationships and educating members regarding human relations issues. 

While the EHRC is formally assigned the task of recommending policy and procedures pertaining to discrimination for all local, state and provincial affiliates, it also addresses problems concerning minority affairs by:

  • Providing technical assistance to local unions on matters pertaining to discrimination (the policy of the IAFF on assistance foe human relations issues can be found on pages 5-6 of the Humans Relations manual). 

  • Counselling and advising local unions in the form of meetings with IAFF members and/or meetings with local committees and management.

  • Improving and expediting communications between local unions and the IAFF in matters concerning civil rights by developing and presenting the biennial IAFF Human Relations Conference.” 

This is a tremendous honour that comes with hard work and we wish Sister Davison every success. Thank you to EVP Rob Weeks of L18 for the nomination of Sister Davison, a great honour for Vancouver, its members and indeed our Provincial Association. 

Next year the Jack Jessop Biennial Canadian Policy will be held in Burnaby, BC hosted by Local 323.


Sincerely,

Gord Ditchburn, President