More fire fighters will be trained to safely and effectively protect their communities from the growing threat of wildfire thanks to a funding increase for IAFF Responding to the Interface (RTI) program announced by the Government of Canada April 15.
Following a successful pilot project that trained 325 fire fighters in Alberta and B.C. with IAFF training and instructors between August 2023 and March 2024, the federal government will extend the initiative while doubling the amount of funding to $800,000.
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced the funding at the 31st Canadian Legislative Conference in Ottawa. Details of the funding were included in the federal budget, which was tabled in the House of Commons on April 16.
Pointing to the success of the pilot project, Wilkinson lauded the IAFF training, which prepares structural fire fighters to work safely in wildland-urban interface areas.
“The need for more fire fighters and high-quality training opportunities across Canada is crucial to keeping Canadians safe, and that’s why we’re continuing to partner with the IAFF to deliver what is needed to protect and preserve Canadian livelihoods,” he said.
When fire fighters are safe, the communities we took an oath to protect are safe. That’s our top priority. The IAFF is committed to continuing its work with the Government of Canada to ensure fire fighters, and those we serve, are better protected in the face of this new reality.
General President Edward kelly
General President Edward Kelly was in Ottawa when the funding was announced and thanked Wilkinson and the government for its support. Recognizing the growing threat wildfires pose across Canada, he stated ithe importance of the training.
“When fire fighters are safe, the communities we took an oath to protect are safe. That’s our top priority. The IAFF is committed to continuing its work with the Government of Canada to ensure fire fighters, and those we serve, are better protected in the face of this new reality,” Kelly said.
Through the initial pilot program, 25 fire fighters took part in a train-the-trainer course and an additional 300 from Alberta and BC were trained by IAFF instructors and the IAFF RTI curriculum during courses held in Kamloops and Chilliwack B.C., and Grande Prairie Alta.
In addition to the funding announced April 15, the IAFF has submitted a proposal to the Canadian Government for a three-year funding commitment to conduct RTI training, with the goal of expanding it across Canada, including French-language courses.
