The Province of Nova Scotia has introduced the Support for Fire Protection Services Act, aspiring to strengthen fire services across Nova Scotia.
The Act was introduced on the 23 February 2026.
Under the new Act, the Minister of Emergency Management will provide oversight for municipal fire services and set provincewide standards for fire services, firefighter training and certification, personal protective equipment.
There will also be transition support for fire services that want to transition to a municipal model and resources for fire protection service planning, delivery and reporting.
Fire departments and fire service commissions that are not currently part of a municipal fire service will remain as is.
Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management explained: “We are committed to listening to the fire services sector, and this legislation is a direct result of what we’ve heard over the past year.
“This is the next step in addressing what we heard from the value-for-money audit of the Nova Scotia Firefighters School, the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia’s governance review and in-person meetings with over 700 Fire Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, fire service co-ordinators and municipal leaders.
“We look forward to continuing our work with municipalities and the fire sector to build a new model that better serves Nova Scotians.”
The Support for Fire Protection Services Act also enables the creation of an Office of the Fire Commissioner, the first step in providing provincial oversight, co-ordination and support to municipalities and fire service providers.
It requires all municipalities – whether they oversee fire services or not – to conduct a fire protection service review, to ensure municipalities and fire departments make evidence-based decisions about the services they provide to their community.
They will also need to ensure that local firefighter competencies, training and personal protective equipment meet the service standard required by the fire protection service review.
There will also be a requirement to participate in a common records management system.
Greg Jones, President of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia explained: “For more than 50 years, the fire service has recognized the need to modernize fire and emergency services in Nova Scotia.
“This announcement represents meaningful progress toward strengthening public safety and ensuring the fire service is equipped to meet the evolving needs of communities across the province.”
The legislation is part of the Province’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the fire services sector.
It will help ensure consistent training standards across the province and support procurement to get best pricing for purchasing vehicles, equipment and insurance, helping fire departments reduce costs.
