Program aims to strengthen fire prevention through mentorship and hands-on training
The Fire Prevention Officer (FPO) Mentorship Program was officially launched today in Orillia, Ont., bringing together fire services from across Ontario and the Cree Nation communities of Northern Québec.
The FPO Mentorship Program, the first of its kind in Canada, will see 10 FPOs from the Cree Nations of Northern Québec travelling to Southern Ontario to work in conjunction with 11 fire departments to gain experience in establishing their own programs at home. The program will see each FPO partner with an Ontario fire department for one month and will allow them to bring back valuable fire safety knowledge and experience to their community.
The program was created in partnership with the Emergency Management Group Inc., Waswanay Consulting Inc., Ontario fire departments and the Grand Council of Crees (Eeyou Istchee).
The Ontario fire departments participating are:
- Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service
- King Fire & Emergency Services
- Kingston Fire and Rescue
- Kitchener Fire Department
- Oakville Fire Department
- Orillia Fire Department
- Rama Fire Rescue Service
- Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services
- Sarnia Fire Rescue Services
- Catharines Fire Services
- Windsor Fire & Rescue Services
About the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government:
Our land—Eeyou Istchee—which means the People’s Land, comprises over three hundred “traplines,” or traditional family hunting and trapping grounds. Our traditional territory, an area of over 400,000 square kilometres, or two-thirds the size of France, is located primarily in northern Quebec and includes the lands on the eastern shore of James Bay and south-eastern Hudson Bay, as well as the lakes and rivers that drain into them.
Mayor Don McIsaac, City of Orillia:
“Orillia is honoured to be a part of this vital initiative, contributing to the safety and resilience of our Cree Nation partners while building lasting relationships. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility and this mentorship program is a powerful example of how collaboration strengthens community safety.”
