More calls, fewer firefighters: Canadian fire chiefs call for help

Fire chiefs across the country are calling on the government for support as they face an unprecedented labour shortage.

A recent survey from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), fire departments coast-to-coast are responding to more calls with fewer personnel.

According to the president of the CAFC Ken McMullen, over the last five years the number of firefighters has decreased by 20 per cent, from 156,000 in 2016 to 126,000 today.

Just like many other industries, fire departments are struggling to recruit but face additional barriers around compensation.

“90,000 of that 126,000 are volunteers,” McMullen said on Wake Up with Rob Snow. “We can hardly go into any stores in any city that there isn't a sign looking for help. Whether that's at a local bistro or at a movie theatre, they're always looking for people. And yet, we're asking individuals to come put their lives on the line, see some of the most horrific things that they'll ever see, and do it for zero compensation.”

Adding fuel to the fire is an aging workforce. A third of Canada's volunteer firefighters are over the age of 50, and most departments do not allow front line firefighting after 60 years of age. As those firefighters look forward to retiring, fire departments are challenged with filling those empty helmets.

McMullen and the CAFC are calling on the government to make the recruitment and retention of firefighters, both paid and volunteer, easier on departments.

Currently, volunteer firefighters receive a maximum income tax exemption of $3,000. McMullen wants to see that number increased to $10,000 and expand it to all firefighters receiving any form of remuneration.

“The second piece is, we're asking government to maintain and or increase their funding allocations to mental health programs for first responders,” said McMullen.

Bill C-224, which proposed national standards for addressing cancer among firefighters, is another important element. Without a national standard, firefighters who get cancer may receive workers compensation in one province, but not another. The International Association of Firefighters reported 408 Canadian firefighters died of occupational cancers between 2012 and 2021.

The CFCA also wants to see a reinvestment into the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP), a fund which many fire departments relied on for training and equipment upgrades. The fund officially closed in 2013.

“If we take all four of those things, I think it will be easier, more attractive, to get people interested in wanting to be a part of their community, and give back in such a valuable way,” said McMullen.

Listen to full interview with Ken McMullen on Wake Up with Rob Snow below.