The minister of justice and public safety says her government is committed to making improvements to emergency preparedness, but stopped short of committing to specific promises made regarding compensation for volunteer firefighters.

Just days before dropping the writ, former premier John Hogan committed to a $500 one-time honorarium for volunteer firefighters and ground search and rescue members who fought wildfires in the province this past summer.

He also announced a one-time honorarium of $10,000 for fire departments and ground search and rescue teams who were involved in the effort.

Towns and local service districts would also receive $1,000 each according to Hogan’s address to the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services.

Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer was asked if government would commit to some of the promises made including help for volunteer firefighters and additions to the waterbomber fleet.

She says government will be enhancing training and equipment for volunteer firefighters. “We’re also going to be ensuring every volunteer fire department has access to essential protective gear. Doubling the volunteer firefighter and search and rescue tax credits, (and) maintaining a fully-operational water bomber fleet, with repairs to the fifth aircraft will be a priority, as well as hiring 50 additional wildland firefighters.”