By Canadian Press

Petition calls for urgent federal action to support wildfire fighters

Oct 23, 2024 | 8:53 AM

OTTAWA — People who fight wildfires are on Parliament Hill today to demand the federal government better support firefighters, warning more will leave the job if they don’t.

Harold Larson, a former firefighter from Vancouver, says wildfire work is gruelling, yet there is little reward to entice people to return year after year.

He says wildfire fighters are treated as seasonal workers, with low pay and a poor work-life balance, and should be treated better.

The group, led by platform My Climate Plan, will be meeting with cabinet ministers and opposition MPs to outline their priorities and presenting them with a petition signed by some 6,500 people.

They want the federal government to provide wildfire fighters with equipment, more training and better pay — and to stop the climate change that is driving intense fire seasons by switching to clean energy sources.

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Wildfires this summer were responsible for the evacuation of tens of thousands of people across the country, including in Jasper, Alta., where fire destroyed parts of the town.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press