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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.