Nova Scotia Introduces Interim Firefighter Training Program

The government of Nova Scotia is set to launch an interim training program for firefighters in the coming months. This decision follows a critical audit that highlighted serious safety concerns within existing training initiatives. Kim Masland, the Minister of Emergency Management, announced the new program during an appearance on The Todd Veinotte Show, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in firefighter training.

The province severed ties with the Nova Scotia Firefighters School in August 2023, as the audit revealed multiple failures in ensuring the safety and effective training of firefighters. “We’re putting together an interim training program for firefighters while we’ll continue to work on a long-term comprehensive training model,” Masland stated. She underscored the importance of providing a safe training environment for firefighters, who risk their lives to protect the community.

The audit, which involved over 680 firefighters, 52 fire service leaders, and eight members of the board of directors, was initiated after the tragic death of Skyler Blackie, a student who was critically injured in 2019 due to an explosion during a training exercise. The report, released on August 5, 2023, indicated that the nonprofit organization responsible for the training program had failed to meet safety standards.

As of now, training for firefighters can still be obtained through various fire departments across the province, many of which offer regional training options. When the new interim program is operational, Masland expressed the intention to establish a regional hub to minimize travel for firefighters seeking training.

To facilitate this new initiative, the province has formed a committee led by Mark Bettens, Chief Director of the Cape Breton Regional Fire Service, and Paul Maynard, Director of Client Services with the province. “Our value for our debt money was done in August, and we haven’t wasted any time on this at all,” Masland noted, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing a safe training environment.

While the details surrounding the cost of the training program have not yet been disclosed, the Minister’s commitment to enhancing firefighter safety remains a priority. The interim program aims to address immediate training needs while laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive long-term strategy.