Province launches firefighter training advisory committee
Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management and Municipal Affairs department has announced the formation of a new Fire Training Advisory Committee on Monday 22 September.
The committee was created after a value-for-money audit identified safety and governance problems at the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School earlier this summer.
Officials confirmed that the committee consists of 32 members drawn from across the province.
Its members include experienced firefighters, emergency management leaders and representatives from municipal departments.
They have been tasked with designing an interim firefighter training plan covering a wide range of operational skills and safety standards.
Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management, said: “The safety of our firefighters and the quality of their training are paramount.”
She added: “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.”
Details of the interim firefighter training plan
The interim plan will include modules on firefighter safety and survival, fire behaviour and suppression techniques, ladders, ventilation, forcible entry and search techniques.
Other areas include personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), incident command, live fire training and vehicle extrication.
The plan will also cover water supply and fire streams, hazardous materials awareness, communications and emergency vehicle operation.
According to the province, the training will provide consistent access to core courses, standardise delivery methods across the province and support safe entry-level firefighter education.
The programme will also build a collaborative network of trainers and leaders to strengthen regional training capacity.
All courses will adhere to recognised safety standards.
Leadership and collaboration with Mi’kmaw fire chiefs
The committee is led by two co-chairs: Mark Bettens, Chief Director of Cape Breton Regional Fire Service, and Paul Maynard, Director of Client Services at the Department of Emergency Management.
They will be supported by an executive team including Greg Jones, President of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, and representatives from regional fire services, the provincial Fire Marshal’s office and occupational health and safety officials.
The committee will also work with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs to ensure that interim and long-term provincial training plans address their operational needs.
John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs, said: “We all depend on firefighters being ready to respond when we need them.
“For all they do and risk for us, we need to do everything we can to make sure they have the training and support they need to be safe and successful.
“I want to thank everyone involved with this committee for taking on this important duty.”
Greg Jones, President of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, said: “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.”
Wider review of fire services governance
The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is leading a separate review into fire services governance.
This review will assess operations, training, communications, funding and related matters.
According to the province, the review is expected to be completed later this autumn.
The advisory committee’s work will contribute to this broader review and inform future provincial decisions on fire service training and governance.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The development of a province-wide firefighter training plan in Nova Scotia is relevant to fire chiefs, training officers and municipal fire departments.
The interim plan establishes a standardised approach to entry-level firefighter education, which will support consistent delivery across regions.
For training officers and instructors, the initiative provides a framework to align programmes with recognised safety standards while ensuring collaboration between local trainers and provincial leadership.
Municipal fire departments are directly supported through consistent access to basic training, which helps maintain firefighter readiness and safety during the transition period.
Engagement with Mi’kmaw fire chiefs also shows the importance of tailoring training frameworks to meet the operational needs of different communities.
Nova Scotia launches firefighter training committee after audit raised safety concerns: Summary
Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management and Municipal Affairs department announced on Monday 22 September the formation of the Fire Training Advisory Committee.
The committee was created after a value-for-money audit identified safety and governance problems at the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School earlier in the summer.
It consists of 32 members, including fire chiefs, emergency management professionals and occupational safety representatives from across the province.
The committee will design an interim firefighter training plan that covers safety, fire behaviour, equipment use, suppression techniques, incident command, hazardous materials and vehicle extrication.
The plan will standardise basic training delivery across Nova Scotia, build networks of trainers and ensure all courses follow recognised safety standards.
The committee is co-chaired by Mark Bettens of Cape Breton Regional Fire Service and Paul Maynard of the Department of Emergency Management.
Officials confirmed that the group will collaborate with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs to ensure training meets their needs and supports long-term planning.
A broader review of fire services governance led by the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is expected to conclude later this autumn.
This article contains information from the following source: Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management Municipal Affairs