Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs commends federal budget for its ‘smart, clear investments’ in fire, emergency, and affordable housing

April 18, Ottawa —  The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs is commending the federal budget for its  “commitments on firefighter training and equipment,” said Fire Chief John McKearney, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), in a news release. “These are smart, clear investments which Canada’s fire chiefs and firefighters can help maximize”. The recently released federal budget contained commitments to both Natural Resources Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.

The association said in its statement it was also pleased to see the formation of a Secretariat to support the Minister of Emergency Preparedness. “For many years, fire chiefs have called on the federal government to establish a national advisor or secretariat for fire and emergency in Canada. This is a step in the right direction,” said McKearney.

The association sees a critical opportunity for all levels of government to make affordable housing the best it can be from a fire and life safety perspective.

In this regard, the CAFC has released its new report, Myth Busting and Team Building, Advancing a Win Win for Residential Sprinklers, as it looks at how builders, industry, municipalities, the public and other stakeholders can work together on advancing sprinklers in new residential construction.

“This budget is a good budget for fire and emergency,” said McKearney, “There are still many challenges on the road ahead, particularly in a sector that relies on 100,000 volunteer firefighters, but we’re on the right track. As the details of the funds are fleshed out, the country’s fire chiefs welcome the opportunity for continued involvement through the CAFC.”