Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry was in Timmins to make the announcement, with fire rangers not invited to the event setting up outside to have their concerns heard
An extra $20.3 million for wildland fire management isn't addressing the front-line staff retention crisis, says the union representing Ontario fire rangers.
Local fire rangers who were not invited to the announcement set up outside with signs calling for changes to their job. The main asks are to reclassify the positions to allow for higher wages and benefit enhancements to acknowledge the health risks of the job. "We’re front lines fighting flames, we’re breathing in smoke, inhaling carcinogens — we don’t get regular medical testing for the stuff that we inhale on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
Smith didn't answer direct questions about how his ministry is improving benefits, retaining fire rangers or considering reclassifying the positions. Instead, he deferred to the Treasury Board, saying those conversations are happening there.
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