SFPE Canada names inaugural Board of Directors
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced the first Board of Directors for SFPE Canada, formally launching its new regional division dedicated to fire protection and fire safety engineering in the country.
The organisation confirmed that Kieran Ager has been elected Chair, with Lindsay Ranger as Chair-Elect.
Beth Weckman, Chris Anderson, Leslie Sims and Alana MacLellan-Bonnell will serve as Directors-at-Large.
One of the Directors-at-Large will also assume the role of Secretary, to be appointed during the Board’s inaugural meeting.
The formation of the Board marks the official start of SFPE Canada, also known as the Association des ingénieurs en protection incendie Canada.
SFPE stated that the new Board will focus on strengthening its global network while addressing regional needs in education, professional growth, standards development and collaboration within Canada’s fire engineering sector.
Focus on collaboration and professional development
Kieran Ager, Chair of the SFPE Canada Board of Directors, said: “It is an honor to serve as the inaugural Chair of SFPE Canada.
“It also allows us to connect Canadian professionals to the global SFPE network.
“With the support of our dedicated Board and members, we look forward to shaping innovative solutions, fostering professional growth, and strengthening fire safety practices that protect people, property, and the environment.”
According to SFPE, the division will operate in line with the global organisation’s mission to advance the science and practice of fire protection engineering worldwide.
It will provide Canadian professionals with access to SFPE’s international resources while creating programmes tailored to local needs.
Advancing the global fire protection network
The creation of SFPE Canada marks another step in the organisation’s regional expansion strategy, aligning with its goal to support engineers in diverse national contexts.
By establishing a dedicated Canadian division, SFPE said it intends to strengthen collaboration across public, private and academic sectors.
The Board’s establishment also positions the organisation to respond to the specific regulatory and technical environments shaping fire protection engineering in Canada.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The creation of SFPE Canada introduces a national platform for engineers, educators and technical consultants working in fire protection to engage more directly with international standards and research.
For professionals involved in fire engineering design, building safety compliance and standards development, the new Board’s focus on education and collaboration could expand access to specialised training and cross-border knowledge exchange.
Fire engineers and risk assessors in both private practice and public sector roles may benefit from new opportunities to align domestic practices with SFPE’s global framework.
This development also has practical implications for institutions and training providers seeking alignment with evolving international fire protection engineering standards.