Budget dissapointing for Fire Services
April 25th, 2012
The provincial budget announced April 24, 2012 has seen a return to base funding levels for the cost shared fire apparatus and equipment program. The funding was reduced back to 1.7 million dollars for the fire truck program and 500 thousand for the protective clothing and SCBA. This equates to a reduction of 2.7 million dollars from last year’s funding levels.
Last year, the cost shared program was funded at 3.9 million dollars and allowed for the purchase of 22 fire apparatus for the provinces fire departments. This year that number will be approximately 7 trucks.
The Association is disappointed that government has returned to an inadequate funding level to meet the demands. Over 60 fire trucks requests currently sit on file with the government to replace apparatus at this time. The budget response will meet about 10% of the need.