The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has put forward a proposal for a new partnership with the Canadian government to enhance national emergency preparedness.
The IAFF has recommended that the federal government allocate $2.5 million to fund the Core Capabilities Emergency Management Program (CCEMP).
This initiative is designed to build on the IAFF’s existing HazMat and Responding to the Interface (RTI) training programs, which are already funded by the government.
As reported by the IAFF, the CCEMP aims to strengthen Canada’s response capabilities for major disasters such as wildfires, floods, and other emergencies.
The proposal was submitted to the federal Standing Committee on Finance as part of the pre-budget consultations.
The funding would be scalable to address future needs and would comply with national standards and regulations, such as the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The proposed Core Capabilities Emergency Management Program focuses on increasing federal collaboration with at-risk communities.
The IAFF emphasized that the program would improve the understanding of disaster risks while bolstering community resilience across Canada.
This includes delivering emergency preparedness tools and fostering closer cooperation between the federal government and vulnerable regions.
The IAFF has highlighted the need for improved resources and training, particularly for Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.
The submission stressed the importance of equipping fire fighters with the skills needed to respond to disasters such as tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and high wind events.
The IAFF noted its successful track record in providing emergency response training.
Since 2009, the IAFF has been running the HazMat & CBRNE Training Initiative, which has trained over 9,000 first responders across Canada.
In addition, the IAFF’s Responding to the Interface (RTI) training program has helped train 350 fire fighters to defend structures from wildfires.
These programs reflect the IAFF’s continued efforts to increase preparedness and safety within Canada.
In April, the Canadian government extended and increased funding for the RTI program to $800,000.
This extension demonstrates ongoing federal support for the IAFF’s initiatives.
The proposed CCEMP would further this collaboration by expanding the scope of training and preparedness efforts.
The IAFF’s proposal highlights its ability to deliver climate and wildfire-related disaster response training tailored to the needs of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
The association also noted its readiness to provide expertise in handling all hazards, including aviation and rail disasters, ice storms, and other emergencies.
By adopting the CCEMP, the Canadian government would be better positioned to strengthen disaster preparedness on a national scale.
The IAFF has assured that the program would be based on its past successes and subject matter expertise.
It aims to deliver an effective response system that supports federal emergency management priorities and improves overall national resiliency in the face of growing threats.
The International Association of Fire Fighters has recommended $2.5 million in federal funding to support the Core Capabilities Emergency Management Program, an initiative designed to strengthen Canada’s emergency preparedness.
Submitted as part of pre-budget consultations to the federal Standing Committee on Finance, the proposal aims to expand on existing training programs, such as HazMat and Responding to the Interface, which are currently funded by the government.
The program would focus on enhancing federal collaboration with at-risk communities, improving disaster risk understanding, and building community resilience.
