WHEREAS the Fire Service Liaison Group is proposing significant changes as to how fire services in small municipalities are governed, delivered and supported, in the form of a new draft model for the firerescue system in BC; AND WHEREAS the majority of fire fighters in small, rural and remote areas are volunteers that provide non-medical emergency services, in the form of fire protection: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General, be made aware that the new draft model for the firerescue system in BC, has not only unfeasible financial and liability implications for rural volunteer fire fighters, but also negative ramifications to the recruitment and retention of dedicated volunteer fire fighters in the rural and remote areas of the province.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY SOLICITOR GENERAL The Ministry is aware of the challenges faced by many volunteer fire departments from a retention and recruitment perspective. When the recommendations from the Fire Service Liaison Group are received, consideration will be given to the issue of impact on small rural fire departments. The Ministry is committed to ensuring that the fire suppression and road rescue services in the province are enhanced wherever and whenever possible.