Government of Canada Supports Fire Prevention and Management Training for Quebec First Nations

The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations to keep Aboriginal communities safe

WENDAKE, QC, April 25, 2014 /CNW/ - When it comes to fire prevention, education and awareness are essential to the health and safety of members of Aboriginal communities. We all have to take the necessary steps toward protection by learning how to prevent and control fires. This is why our government and the Centre de développement de la formation et de la main-d'œuvre huron-wendat (CDFM) have developed a new, recognized training course tailored to the realities of Quebec's First Nations.

Since March 31, 2014, an initial cohort of 14 firefighters from six communities has been enrolled in the training. At the end of the course, the participants will get their Firefighter I certification from Quebec's national firefighter school. The Government of Canada is proud to have contributed $155,869, or 50% of total costs, toward the training of these students. The communities of Pakua Shipi, Unamen Shipu, Nutashkuan, Ekuanitshit, Opitciwan and Manawan, home to the students, jointly picked up the other half of the costs.

Quick Facts

• The first cohort of 14 students will finish their training on June 6, 2014.
• The federal government is working closely with CDFM to develop training programs that will complement the Firefighter I course.

Quotes

"Aboriginal communities well equipped to handle fires are able to respond promptly and effectively in emergencies. Our government is proud to be working with Quebec's First Nations to keep their communities safe."

- Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"A leader in the field of adult education for First Nations since 1995, CDFM aims to train people who will be self-reliant, responsible, respectful, proud of their origins and able to fulfill their functions well. The training given to this cohort of firefighters is a further illustration of CDFM's progressiveness, rigour and standing as an institution of choice that enjoys the confidence of students, band councils and the government departments concerned with respect to projects of this nature."

- Chief René Gros-Louis, Education and Training Officer, Huron-Wendat Nation Council

"Today we are proud to note the presence and contribution of the Honourable Minister Bernard Valcourt, confirming the collaboration of CDFM and the Huron-Wendat Nation in improving the well-being and safety of our peoples. Wendake is a crossroads, a meeting point welcoming students from all First Nations. We are working hard to improve the living conditions of our people, and it is through innovative and collective projects like this that we intend to continue developing our capacities."

- Grand Chief Konrad Sioui, Huron-Wendat Nation Council

Associated Links

BeFireSafe Education Campaign Launch
First Nations Fire Protection Strategy

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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