Budget is Positive for Fire Service
March 29th, 2010
The NLAFS is generally pleased with the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial budget announced by Finance Minister Tom Marshall this afternoon.
Increases to fire services funding have been announced is several key areas. While it is acknowledged that there are still hurdles to overcome, the Association is generally pleased encouraged by the positive direction the government is taking in respect to the men and women of the fire service in the province. Over 1.3 million dollars of new funding has been allocated by the province to enhance fire services.
The 4 items presented to government in the Association’s annual brief were addressed positively.
Details
1. The cost sharing program for Fire trucks has been increased from 1.7 to 2.5 million dollars. While the association asked for 5 million dollars we are encouraged in the positive move. This will assist in replacing the aging fleet of fire trucks in the province but it is noted that this funding must continue to be increased to replace existing fire apparatus that are past their service life within some 100 plus communities.
2. The special assistance grants that permit fire departments to purchase capital items has been doubled to 1 million dollars. While the association asked for a separate program to assist in the replacement of firefighter protective equipment and breathing apparatus, the increase in the existing special assistance program essentially equates to the same thing.
3. The fire protection officer for Labrador announced in last year’s budget has been funded this year and will be in place in the near future; this position has been forwarded to the Public Service Commission to be filled.
4. The funding to the matched training financial assistance for firefighters to attend training that was piloted last fiscal year will be will be continued in 2010-11. Within Fire and Emergency Services, overtime allocations have been positively allocated to assist in firefighter training initiatives such as the hazardous material program.