Nova Scotia has struck a 32-member committee to design an interim firefighter training program after a government audit found safety and governance problems at the province’s main training school.
The Nova Scotia Fire Training Advisory Committee, announced Sept. 22, brings together experienced firefighters and emergency management professionals from across the province. Its work will focus on building a consistent, provincewide approach to core training.
Audit prompted change
The government ended its relationship with the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School this summer after a value-for-money audit uncovered “serious safety and governance issues.”
“The safety of our firefighters and the quality of their training are paramount,” said Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management. “The establishment of the committee marks a decisive step toward rebuilding trust, enforcing rigorous safety protocols and enhancing governance to meet and exceed national standards.”
Interim training plan
The new committee will be led by Mark Bettens, Chief Director of the Cape Breton Regional Fire Service, and Paul Maynard, Director of Client Services with the Department of Emergency Management. It is tasked with creating and implementing an interim regional plan covering areas such as:
- Firefighter safety and survival
- Protective equipment and breathing apparatus
- Fire behaviour and suppression
- Ladders, ventilation, forcible entry and search techniques
- Incident command and communications
- Vehicle extrication and emergency vehicle operation
- Hazardous materials awareness
- Live fire training
The province said the interim plan will ensure firefighters have consistent access to basic training, support municipal fire departments with safe entry-level education, and standardize instruction across regions.
Collaboration across communities
The committee will work with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs to ensure both interim and long-term training plans address their organizational needs.
“We all depend on firefighters being ready to respond when we need them,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “For all they do and risk for us, we need to do everything we can to make sure they have the training and support they need to be safe and successful.”
Greg Jones, president of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, added the initiative “will ensure that our fire service personnel receive consistent, effective training that supports their safety and preparedness.”
Next steps
All training under the plan will adhere to established safety standards. The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is also leading a broader review of governance, operations, training, communications, and funding, expected to be complete this fall.
