As Ontario's forest fire season gets underway, Global News can reveal that one in five crews are unstaffed across the north. The program also faces issues with its aircraft.
RELATED: Poor pay and brutal working conditions are among the issues identified by government reports and staff when it comes to recruiting and training firefighters. Recruitment issues are reducing experience on the frontlines, potentially putting firefighters and northern communities in danger.
The low staffing levels come despite an attempt from the government to “attract, retain and recognize” forest firefighters with a $5,000 bonus. The money was framed as a one-off incentive by the province but labelled a “band-aid response” by the union that represents firefighters. Front-line firefighters will be given up to $5,000 each to recognize their role, while other support staff represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union were set to receive $1,000.Confirmed recruitment numbers now the season is underway suggest the new money did little to boost the number of people signing up to fight fires.The issue is worst in northwestern Ontario, where 32 of the 100 crews needed to fight fire have been left unstaffed.
The government also pointed to resource-sharing agreements it said can be used when things get tough. One of Ontario’s Twin Otter waterbombers won’t be able to fly at all this summer, according to Global News’ information, because its wing needs to be replaced.
Ontario Forest Fires Ontario Politics Wildfire Canada Fire Politics
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mi casa norte de Ontario: hundreds of Latin American newcomers changing the face of northern OntarioSynara Saab (right) and her husband André and son Luiz Felipe were all smiles when they boarded an airplane in Brazil 18 months ago to begin their new life in Sault Ste. Marie.
Read more »
Ontario Premier Calls for Exclusively Ontario Students in Post-Secondary InstitutionsPremier Doug Ford wants to eliminate the presence of international students in Ontario's post-secondary institutions and prioritize Ontario students. He aims for 100% of Ontario students to attend these universities.
Read more »
Ontario providing funds to junior mining companies in Northern OntarioFunding will create jobs that will help mines discover materials needed for electric vehicles.
Read more »
Global Affairs Canada says email is down as storm hits Ontario, QuebecAn April storm has not only cancelled flights, closed schools and shut off power for hundreds of thousands in Ontario and Quebec, it also has hit Global Affairs Canada's email.
Read more »
Severe drought at Panama Canal could impact global supply chains, says S&P GlobalThe severe drought at the Panama Canal, which has led to daily crossing limitations, could have an impact on global supply chains during a period of high demand, according to S&P Global. While container ships have priority status, other categories, particularly bulk carriers, have been affected by transit restrictions.
Read more »
Severe Drought at Panama Canal Could Impact Global Supply Chains, S&P Global WarnsThe severe drought at the Panama Canal, which has led to daily crossing limitations, could have an impact on global supply chains, according to S&P Global. The canal has recently increased daily crossings, but the capacity pressures are starting to affect supply chains. While container ships have priority, other categories, especially bulk carriers, have been affected by transit restrictions.
Read more »