The Province of British Columbia is providing financial support for a series of regional workshops to offer administrative training in support of fire departments in local communities.

The Local Government Management Association of British Columbia (LGMA), Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), and Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia (FCABC) are partnering to deliver this training program called Working Together: Effective Fire Service Administration for Fire Chiefs and Local Government Chief Administrative Officers. It will provide critically needed skills and knowledge to local government administrators and chief fire officers.

Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is providing $50,000 for the program which has been developed to foster a better understanding of roles and responsibilities around the governance and administration of fire departments. The program, aimed primarily at smaller communities operating volunteer departments, supports local governments and fire chiefs to carry out their responsibilities in providing fire services to their communities. The support is a direct response to recommendations made by the 2009 Fire Services Liaison Group’s report: Transforming the Fire/Rescue Service.

The workshops started with a Nov. 7-9, 2014, pilot workshop in Prince George which received positive feedback from participants. A series of workshops will be held throughout the province over the next two years.

Quotes:

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice -

“Taking this latest action on this recommendation made in the Fire Services Liaison Group report is just another example of the importance our government places on fire safety and helping ensure fire services are delivered at a high level throughout the province.

“Being able to contribute $50,000 to facilitate workshops in a number of smaller B.C. communities will give these local governments the opportunity to learn more about fire department needs and how those directly relate to the fire services they deliver.”

Gordon Anderson, fire commissioner - (Audio)

Listen and learn more about the impact of the funding from fire commissioner Gordon Anderson here: http://bit.ly/1y1H5I9

Tim Pley, FCABC president -

“Government's support of this program means that training opportunities can be provided in all regions of the province, ensuring that the program is accessible to rural and remote fire service leaders. The FCABC commends the Province of British Columbia for continuing to provide leadership in public safety in B.C.”

Nancy Taylor, LGMA executive director -

“The Local Government Management Association is dedicated to developing local government professional management and leadership excellence and is proud to partner with the Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC and the Province of British Columbia to offer training in local government administration of fire departments. This funding support will ensure local governments operating volunteer fire departments will benefit from regional programs that are both geographically and financially accessible and greatly assist them to better serve their communities.”

Learn More:

Emergency Management BC: http://www.embc.gov.bc.ca/em/index.htm

Local Government Management Association of British Columbia - Fire Services Administration: http://www.lgma.ca/EN/main/programs/programs/fire-service-administration.html

Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia: http://fcabc.ca/

Office of the Fire Commissioner: http://www.embc.gov.bc.ca/ofc/

Transforming the Fire/Rescue Service Report: http://www.fslg.ca/Transforming%20the%20Fire%20Service%20Dec%2010%2009%20FINAL.pdf

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 213-3602