The provincial government is investing in protecting firefighters.
A total of $30 million will be delivered to 374 municipal fire departments across the province over three years.
“Firefighters put service over self each and every day, facing dangerous situations to protect their communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Our government has been a leader in protecting them, while they’re protecting us. Today’s announcement is another concrete step to make sure these heroes get the care, resources and support they deserve.”
In the region, 28 fire services are receiving funding including:
- Thunder Bay – $65,843
- Oliver Paipoonge – $49,382
- Neebing – $41,152
- Greenstone – $32,921
- Red Lake – $32,921
- Shuniah – $24,691
- Kenora – $24,691
- Rainy River – $24,691
- Dryden – $16,460
- Morley – $15,000
- Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls – $10,859
- Machin – $8,900
- Armstrong – $8,230
- Conmee – $8,230
- Dorion – $8,230
- Gillies – $8,230
- Nipigon – $8,230
- Alberton – $8,230
- Atikokan – $8,230
- Dawson – $8,230
- Emo – $8,230
- Fort Frances – $8,230
- La Vallee – $8,230
- Ear Falls – $8,230
- Pickle Lake – $8,230
- Ignace – $8,000
- Chapple – $7,900
- Sioux Lookout – $7,556
The funding is coming through the Fire Protection Grant and will be used to purchase equipment and make infrastructure upgrades to help reduce the long-term effects of exposure to fire-related contaminants and chemicals.
Firefighters are more likely to experience health problems because of exposure to hazardous chemicals.
According to the province, nationally, 50 to 60 firefighters die of cancer every year and half of those are from Ontario
