News

$144,000 to Keep Firefighters Safe

NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the government is investing $143,870 over three years to provide 10 area fire departments with funding to support cancer prevention initiatives. The funding, through the Fire Protection Grant, will be used to purchase equipment and make infrastructure upgrades to help reduce the long-term effects of exposure to fire-related contaminants and chemicals.

“Firefighters face extremely dangerous situations to protect their communities,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This is another step to make sure these heroes get the care, resources and support they deserve.”

Local Fire Departments receiving funding includes:

• $32,921 for North Bay Fire Department
• $16,460 for Bonfield Township Fire Department
• $16,460 for the Callander Fire Department
• $16,460 for East Ferris Fire Department
• $16,460 for Township of Nipissing Fire Department
• $16,460 for the Powassan Fire Department
• $8,230 for the Calvin Township Fire Department
• $8,230 for the Mattawa Town Fire Department
• $8,230 for the Papineau-Cameron Township Fire Department
• $3,959 for the Chisholm Township Fire Department

“This funding will help ensure our firefighters are better protected as they work to keep our community safe,” said North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico. “We’re grateful to the provincial government for recognizing and supporting this important initiative.”

“The Municipality of Powassan would like to thank Minister Fedeli and the Ontario Government for this funding,” said Mayor Peter McIsaac. “The funding will be used to upgrade our communications equipment with new radios and provide valuable training for our volunteer fire fighters regarding hazardous materials.”

Firefighters are more likely to experience health problems because of exposure to hazardous chemicals. In Canada, 50 to 60 firefighters die of cancer every year and half of those are from Ontario. This funding will ensure firefighters are kept safe, while they are keeping our communities safe.

The 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario supports the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Ontario by ensuring fire services have the resources and protections to respond to major incidents and urgent situations.

Quick Facts

• The $30 million grant will be administered over three years, with $10 million being reserved for each year.
• There are approximately 33,000 municipal firefighters in Ontario, including over 12,500 full-time, nearly 20,000 volunteer and almost 400 part-time firefighters.

Additional Resources

• Ontario Protecting Firefighters from Cancer-Causing Chemicals
• Fire Protection Grant Recipients
• Learn about fire protection and prevention in Ontario