Nova Scotia’s government is moving to standardize fire services with the introduction of the Support for Fire Protection Services Act. The bill creates provincewide standards for fire protection, firefighter training and PPE, while expanding provincial oversight through the Minister of Emergency Management. It also designates an Office of the Fire Commissioner to coordinate and support municipalities and fire service providers. The act sets expectations for transition support for services shifting to municipal governance and requires a common records management system to improve reporting and accountability. Municipalities not yet part of a municipal fire service will stay in their current form, while others will align under provincial standards. The government touts procurement reforms aimed at lowering costs and ensuring consistency in vehicles and equipment. The legislation follows extensive consultations with more than 700 participants, and endorsements from NSFM and FSANS. New training infrastructure funding was also highlighted. For More Information https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/news/general/province-moves-to-standardise-fire-services/547320
About the Author
