Provincial lump-sum payments to wildland firefighters 'insufficient': NDP

Ontario's NDP says the province's plan to provide wildland firefighters and support staff with one-time incentive payments isn't enough to attract and retain staff.

Under the plan, which was announced Thursday, front-line fire, aviation and critical support staff will receive a one-time payment of up to $5,000, while other support staff will receive up to $1,000.

"Wildland firefighting staff work tirelessly under very difficult conditions to protect the health and safety of Ontarians, their property and our natural resources," Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, said in a statement. "This is a respected and challenging career in our natural resources sector."

"In addition to this incentive, we continue to explore longer-term strategies and solutions to support attraction and retention of critical jobs for future years."

However, NDP MPP Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk—James Bay), the party's critic for natural resources and forestry, said the plan doesn't go far enough.

"It doesn't address the wage issues," he said. "It doesn't help to maintain or keep people in this field."

"It's a very competitive field right now for any employers who are looking for for employees," Bourgouin said. "There's a lot of work out there in northern Ontario, and a lot easier work also when you think about it, because this is hard work."

Concerns ahead of 2024 fire season

Municipalities in northwestern Ontario have expressed concern over the upcoming fire season. The past winter was warm, with little precipitation, and the worry is that could lead to a very-intense fire season in 2024.

Bourgouin said he's hearing similar concerns from communities in his riding.

"We're definitely hearing it," he said. "I can tell you First Nations are really concerned, also."

"Fort Albany and [Kashechewan], last year, they had to be evacuated," Bourgouin said. "How many municipalities [are] surrounded by forest here? We work, play in the forest, and it's concerning."

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents wildland firefighters, also criticized the government announcement. A media release from OPSEU notes the union did agree to the payments.

"Instead of being proactive and focusing on real solutions – like 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," OPSEU President JP Hornick said in a statement. "They're more concerned about suppressing criticism than protecting our air quality and human life."