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.

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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.