The Novia Scotia government have selected a group of experienced firefighters and emergency management professionals to create a new firefighter training program.
The province shared the establishment of the Nova Scotia Training Advisory Committee. The committee has 32 members from across Nova Scotia who will put together an interim basic firefighting training plan.
The committee was created following the value-for-money audit that found safety and governance issues at the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School earlier this summer.
The audit, which was commissioned in June, stemmed from the preventable death of Skyler Blackie during a training exercise in 2019.
Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management shared: “The safety of our firefighters and the quality of their training are paramount.
“The establishment of the committee marks a decisive step toward rebuilding trust, enforcing rigorous safety protocols and enhancing governance to meet and exceed national standards.”
The committee will be led by co-chairs Mark Bettens, Chief Director of the Cape Breton Regional Fire Service and Paul Maynard, Director of Client Services with the Department of Emergency Management.
The interim regional plan for firefighter training will cover firefighter safety and survival, personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fire behavior and suppression techniques, ladders and ventilation, forcible entry and search techniques, water supply and fire streams.
Incident command will be covered, as well as live fire training, vehicle extrication, communications, emergency vehicle operating and hazardous material awareness and how to deal with them.
The committee will also work with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs in the province to ensure the interim and long-term firefighter training plans meet their organizational needs.
Greg Jones, President of Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia explained: “The formation of the Nova Scotia Fire Training Advisory Committee and the development of an interim training plan is a vital step forward.
“This will ensure that our fire service personnel receive consistent, effective training that supports their safety and preparedness.”
All courses will adhere to applicable safety standards and maintain firefighter safety and readiness through consistent access to core basic training and support for municipal fire departments by delivering safe entry-level firefighter education.
Alongside standardizing delivery of basic training across the province during the interim period, building a collaborative network of local trainers and fire service leaders to support this initiative and working with municipalities to ensure the ongoing delivery of high-quality training on a regular basis.
The province previously said there has been no substantive change in the Nova Scotia Firefighters School board structure or governance in more than 20 years.
The Novia Scotia government have selected a group of experienced firefighters and emergency management professionals to create a new firefighter training program.
