Government of Canada Supports Indigenous People in Receiving High-Quality Fire Protection and Prevention Training

THUNDER BAY, ON, June 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada supports fire safety awareness and education, invest in fire services, and maintains the partnerships that promote fire prevention and protection on reserve.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced $195,000 in funding to support the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society's 30^th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Competition. During this event Indigenous fire fighters will have access to high-quality fire protection and prevention training and will compete for the opportunity to represent the province of Ontario at the 2017 National Aboriginal Firefighter competition.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) partners with Six Nations of the Grand River Fire and Emergency Services, the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall to assist First Nations with fire prevention and protection services.

Quotes

"The health and safety of First Nation communities is a priority for our government. Having access to proper fire protection services can make the difference between life and death. We are proud to support the Ontario Native Firefighters Society's conference. Year after year your conference offers high-quality protection and prevention training that makes a real difference in communities all across Ontario."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs                                                                    

"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada and other fire expert organizations to improve fire protection and prevention on reserve. This conference will help us all make progress in reducing fire related death and injuries in First Nation communities."

Melvin McLeod, Vice President
Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society

Quick Facts

• In 2016-2017, INAC invested nearly $2 million to support Ontario First Nations provide fire prevention and protection in their communities.
• Along with core capital funding, INAC funds supporting activities that promote fire prevention awareness, including the national BeFireSafe education campaign, and regionally-lead initiatives such as the Regional Smoke Alarm Awareness project. With INAC's support, every First Nation home in Ontario has access to a smoke alarm.
• INAC has worked with Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities through Amber's Fire Safety Campaign to deliver fire awareness education and prevention activities over the last two years.

Associated Links

• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada: Joint First Nations Fire Protection Strategy (2016-2021)
• Canada Supports Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Amber's Fire Safety Campaign
• First Nation Fire Protection Services
• #BeFireSafe Education Campaign

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SOURCE Government of Canada

media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160