As wildfire season nears, critics say incentive for forest fire crews not enough
The upcoming wildfire season is expected to be another severe one — and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recently announced an incentive program for fire rangers.
It will give lump sum payments of $5,000 to new and returning frontline crews this year.
The promise of a big one-time cheque to wildfire crews hopes to bring in new fire rangers and keep existing ones from leaving.
MNRF Minister Graydon Smith said it’s a solid incentive.
“I don’t think there’s anybody that would shy away from having an extra $5,000 in their pocket,” Smith said.
But critics said it’s hardly enough to entice people to risk their lives tackling increasingly severe fire seasons. Pushing for wage increases and workplace safety coverage, OPSEU scoffed at the program in a statement:
“Instead of … recognizing wildland fire workers for the work they do and compensating them properly or ensuring they have the coverage they need for the risks they face, this government is choosing PR stunts. They’re more concerned about suppressing criticism than protecting our air quality and human life.”
The upcoming wildfire season is expected to be another severe one — and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recently announced an incentive program for fire rangers. It will give lump sum payments of $5,000 to new and returning frontline crews this year. (Photo from video)
Backing OPSEU, Northern New Democrat MPP Guy Bourgouin said if last year’s record fire season is any indication, the province will need a full complement of fire rangers.
He said a one-time pay bump won’t get the job done.
Competive labour market
“It’s already a competitive world out there when it comes to labour, and leaving the wages at $18 and just giving lump sums … doesn’t address it,” Bourgouin said.
“We need to fix this thing once and for all, long term, that we have the crews necessary (to) fight these fires. Because it will only get worse.”
Smith replied that the incentive is only for 2024 and that wage negotiations will happen later. He noted that the province moved around 100 temporary workers into full-time positions and said recruiting more fire rangers is a priority.
“We want to have a robust crew complement, here, in Ontario,” he said.
“Not only to help our communities, but also to help others.”
Bourgouin said there will be a meeting with the labour minister on Monday to discuss fire ranger protections.
o Download our app to get local alerts on your device
o Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
CTV News contacted local union leaders, who told us they could no longer speak out, because of fear of reprisal by the ministry.
When asked about this, Smith said he aims to make sure his staff are comfortable speaking to media.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.