Mixed reaction to Nova Scotia’s proposed fire legislation
Firefighters and municipal officials are having mixed reactions to new legislation aimed at reshaping how fire protection services operate across Nova Scotia.
The provincial government introduced the Support for Fire Protection Services Act last month.
The legislation would create province-wide standards for firefighter training, certification and equipment, while also establishing an Office of the Fire Commissioner to oversee fire services.
Municipalities would also be required to conduct fire protection service reviews and ensure local firefighters meet the required training and equipment standards.
Some fire leaders say the changes could help modernize fire services, but others are warning the new model could create major challenges for volunteer departments.
Lunenburg Fire Chief Darren Romkey says there are elements of the proposal he supports, including the idea of stronger training standards and improved access to equipment.
“Bring the standard of training up is a plus,” Romkey said. “But to what extent? Tell everybody they have to have Level One — it’s not going to happen time-wise. It’s hard enough to get volunteers now.”
Romkey says while larger departments may be able to meet new requirements, smaller volunteer departments could struggle.
In a public statement, Cornwall & District Fire Chief Michael Wilson warned the proposed changes could undermine community-run fire services that have existed for decades.
Wilson said the plan could take away local control and potentially weaken volunteer recruitment and retention.
Municipal leaders say they generally support the idea of province-wide standards but want more clarity on how the changes will be funded.
Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood, speaking on behalf of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, told a legislative committee municipalities could face challenges if the new model brings added financial responsibilities.
“Municipalities will be challenged by any new financial implications arising from this new model,” Mood said.
The province says the legislation is intended to strengthen fire services and improve consistency across Nova Scotia, where more than 360 fire service organizations currently operate under a range of different governance models.
The changes are expected to be phased in over the next three years as the province works with municipalities and fire departments to develop the new system.
