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
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
WATCH LIVE 'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.