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Re: Reaction mixed as Ontario pledges $5M to retain forest fire workers, March 22, 2024
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy announced in her latest newsletter that the Ontario government is preparing for this fire season by providing $5 million in incentive payments to wild-land firefighting staff, with payments of up to $5,000 going to more than 1,000 frontline fire, aviation, and critical support staff.
In addition, one-time payments of up to $1,000 will go to support staff at Aviation Forest Fire Emergency Services.
Writing in Canadian Firefighter in February, veteran forest firefighter Noah Freedman states that the Ontario government treats forest firefighters’ health as it does climate change, with a wilful ignorance for scientific evidence.
He also says that forest firefighters don’t receive proper health and safety training for working in toxic conditions, breathing in carcinogens, and are simply advised to cover their mouths with bandanas!
These firefighters are paid only $22 to $26 per hour to put their lives and health at risk for us all. At the very least, the budget for this year’s wildfire fighting must include funds for proper breathing equipment, or do they now expect these workers to buy their own equipment?
Teresa Ganna Porter
Newmarket
