Minister Blaney renews funding for hazardous materials training for first responders

News Release

Federal government to extend the program until 2016

April 7, 2014 – Ottawa – Public Safety Canada

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced a funding extension to the International Association of Fire Fighters, Canada (IAFF/Canada) to deliver hazardous materials response training until 2016.

As part of its mandate in exercising leadership in emergency management, Public Safety Canada coordinates emergency management activities, including training, among government institutions and in cooperation with the provinces, territories and other organizations.

Quick Facts

Since 2008, Public Safety Canada has committed $500,000 per year to IAFF/Canada to develop and deliver the training program to first responders, including fire fighters, police, and paramedics nationwide.
This nationally accredited program provides course material and trained qualified instructors, and offers certified training at the HazMat Awareness and Operations levels for participants.
Over the past six years, Public Safety Canada’s investment has resulted in hazardous materials training for more than 1,800 first responders from more than 190 rural and urban communities across Canada in partnership with IAFF/Canada.
IAFF/Canada is an organization that represents over 21,700 professional fire fighters in Canada.

Quotes

“First responders are a key element of Canada’s emergency management system, which is why Public Safety Canada is pleased to support our first responders’ hazardous materials response training so that they can continue to protect our families, neighbours and communities. This particular program delivers training on-site, which is a huge benefit to small communities ensuring that first responders can train while maintaining capacity to respond to local emergencies.”
- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“Today is a great day for first responders and public safety in Canada. This funding extension is a testament to the quality of our program and our instructors, and the role of the IAFF as a leader in public safety. Hundreds more first responders will be able to protect Canada’s citizens and its infrastructure thanks to our continuing partnership with the Government of Canada.”
- IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger

Contacts

Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

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Date modified:: 2014-04-07

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Minister Blaney renews funding for hazardous materials training for first responders

News Release

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