As part of the 2024 budget, the Ontario government has released funds to hundreds of municipal fire departments across the province, according to a news release. Said funds are for cancer prevention initiatives for firefighters. Some municipalities in and around the Rainy River District receiving this funding include Fort Frances, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Sioux Lookout, La Vallee, and Atikokan.
“Public safety is about more than just equipping our first responders with the tools they need on the job – it’s about ensuring they are looked after and supported both on and off the job,” stated Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy in the release.
Moreover, the release suggests Ontario firefighters make up half of the firefighter deaths annually.
“Firefighters are more likely to experience health problems because of exposure to hazardous chemicals,” reads the release. “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.”
Moreover, some suggest this will enhance firefighter safety with specialized equipment.
“This funding provides fire departments with vital infrastructure and equipment that will enhance firefighter safety,” stated John McBeth, Acting Ontario Fire Marshal, in the release.
“I commend the Ontario government for its Fire Protection Grant initiative, which will allow local departments to purchase specialized washing and drying equipment to properly decontaminate their bunker gear,” stated Greg Horton, President of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. “Too many firefighters are impacted by occupational cancer every year, even though they wear their supplied gear and follow strict health and safety protocols.”
For more information, visit news.ontario.ca and search: Ontario Protecting Firefighters from Cancer-Causing Chemicals.
