Kawartha Lakes - Members of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) joined together for a productive and impactful Fire and Life Safety Advocacy Day on May 29, 2024, at Queen’s Park. This annual event brought together chief fire officers from across Ontario to engage with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), including local MPP Laurie Scott, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, and Premier Doug Ford.
Kawartha Lakes Fire Chief Terry Jones and Deputy Chief Mike Matthews were among the key participants who discussed critical issues affecting fire and life safety. The discussions centered around three major topics:
- Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced measures and funding to protect firefighters from occupational cancer through early detection and preventive strategies.
- Single Means of Egress: Addressing safety concerns related to buildings with a single means of egress and advocating for stricter building codes to ensure safe evacuation routes.
- MTO Billing for No Service Calls: Highlighting the financial and operational burdens placed on fire services by the Ministry of Transportation's billing for no service calls, and seeking reforms to alleviate these challenges.
"Advocacy Day is an effective and efficient tool in developing and furthering the relationship between the fire service and Members of Provincial Parliament from all political parties," said Fire Chief Terry Jones. "It provides a unique opportunity for us to come together as one voice to share our vision of fire and life safety."
Deputy Chief Mike Matthews added, "Our meetings with MPP Laurie Scott, the Solicitor General, and Premier Ford were productive and highlighted the importance of collaboration between government officials and the fire service to enhance public safety."
The OAFC's Advocacy Day continues to be a vital platform for chief fire officers to communicate directly with policymakers, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the fire service are addressed at the highest levels of government. The OAFC remains committed to promoting fire and life safety across Ontario through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships.