British Columbia and the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) have reached an agreement-in-principle that will allow wildland firefighters to access their pensions earlier, aligning their benefits with those of other public-safety professionals.
The new provisions, expected to take effect in 2026, will enable wildland firefighters employed by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to receive their pensions up to five years earlier than other members of the Public Service Pension Plan. This move reflects a growing recognition of the risks and challenges firefighters face as they protect communities from increasingly severe wildfire activity.
“This is a priority for the BC Wildfire Service. I’m very happy to see it come about,” said Bruce Ralston, B.C.’s Minister of Forests. “We need our firefighters more than ever. This represents our long-term recognition of the enduring importance of their work.”
The agreement is part of a broader effort to improve working conditions and retention for wildland firefighters, who have been on the front lines of some of the most devastating wildfire seasons in the province’s history. Premier David Eby praised the firefighters for their efforts, emphasizing the need to ensure their long-term security.
“We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the selfless firefighters whose brave and heroic efforts have got us through some of the most devastating wildfire seasons on record,” said Eby. “More than that, firefighters deserve fair pay and security in retirement, so they are treated with dignity – whether it’s at the end of a response call or the end of their careers.”
The eligibility criteria for the new pension scheme are still being determined, but the majority of BCWS employees are expected to qualify.
BCGEU president Paul Finch highlighted the significance of the agreement for firefighters who often work in dangerous and demanding conditions.
“Wildfire fighters take immense risks and deserve fair compensation,” Finch said. “Today’s announcement marks a major victory for our members who have fought tirelessly for a pension and compensation package that allows them to build sustainable careers. This change will help retain a stable, experienced workforce, ready to protect our communities when we need them most.”
In addition to enhancing pensions, the province has implemented several initiatives to boost wildland firefighter recruitment and training, including expanding training programs for First Nations communities and making it easier for people from rural and remote areas to join wildfire response teams.
As of the 2024 fire season, approximately 1,300 wildland firefighters are employed directly with the BCWS. Since 2022, the service has increased its permanent full-time staff by 55%. With B.C.’s 2024 budget, the province is investing $154 million in operating funding and $21 million in capital funding over the next three years to support wildfire response, recovery, and infrastructure development.
The Province and BCGEU expect to finalize the agreement by early 2025.