Yukon firefighters say fire service still lacking support after rescue equipment, truck purchase delayed

The association representing Yukon firefighters says the lack of communication and financial support from the territorial government is becoming "frustrating."

It comes after a commitment of $900,000 for a brand new fire truck and rescue equipment was made by the Department of Community Services but, according to the Association of Yukon Fire Chiefs, not acted on.

The association's vice-president, John Smith said the association shared its concerns over the lack of support for the Fire Marshal's Office, and fire services across the territory, during a meeting with the assistant deputy minister of Protective Services, and the deputy minister of Community Services in November. 

That's where Smith said the truck was discussed.

"There was $900,000 that was approved for this year's budget," said Smith."That truck was to be ordered by November in order to make the March 31 deadline for delivery."

Smith said that didn't happen.

"Since that meeting [we] received an email from them and their response was that it was a priority for the branch and division but unfortunately there was no timeline for the commencement of the procurement of that truck," Smith said."Ultimately they've cancelled the truck."

According to Smith, this isn't the only reason why the association and its members are feeling angry.

Smith said the Fire Marshal's Office has also cancelled a training conference in January over the lack of funds to put it on.

"This is a conference that's been ongoing for 25 years, plus," Smith said. "It's for training and information gathering, and it was going to be the strategic plan. But the Fire Marshal's Office is working very hard and was unable to secure the funding and unfortunately had to cancel it."

Smith said the association has been trying to meet with, or at least speak with Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn to discuss concerns over funding cuts, but all attempts have been unsuccessful.

 "To be honest with you, the fact we have not heard from the minister it's very, very frustrating," Smith said. "It feels very, very disrespectful."

Department says truck still coming, conference not cancelled

Nobody from the Department of Community Services was available for an interview. In an email to CBC News, cabinet spokesperson Laura Seeley wrote, "To address emerging safety needs, the Fire Marshal's Office reallocated funds initially set aside for a new fire truck to purchase new personal protection equipment (PPE) and breathing equipment for firefighters. The new fire truck will now be purchased in Spring 2025 — not cancelled."

Seeley also wrote that the January conference was not cancelled but postponed. 

"Efforts are underway to reschedule it for Spring 2025, with a budget of about $30,000." 

Marty Cohen is a teaching professor at the University of Washington's Environmental and Occupational Health Science department.

Cohen said his research looks at the health and safety of firefighters in regards to the equipment they use.

He said proper training and equipment is essential to any fire department, but when it comes to volunteer fire departments Cohen said it's "incredibly important."

"These are folks who aren't fighting fires, and aren't in the service a hundred per cent of their time," Cohen said. "They've got jobs elsewhere. They need to be well trained to be able to do the job safely, and have the right equipment to do the job safely. Not only for them, but for the public as well."

Cohen said he understands budgets sometimes need to be cut, or reallocated. He said in his experience the decision to do so doesn't come easily but he said it's important that, in this case, the firefighters, and association continue to make their concerns heard.

Cohen said the health and safety of firefighters, or anyone in the workforce needs to be a "systems" approach.

"Looking at all aspects of it," he said. "Given specific budgetary limitations it needs to be looked at systematically and getting the associations hand in hand with the budget makers, and the legislators to ensure that people can be doing their work safely."