The Liberals have outlined new measures to better prepare and equip the province for future wildfires and to support volunteer first-responders.
Leader John Hogan paid a campaign stop in Gander today.
After what has proved to be a particularly challenging forest fire season the provincial government announced $100,000 for new wildland firefighting uniforms, and $500 honorariums for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers.
Another $10,000 honorarium was provided to volunteer fire departments and search and rescue teams in appreciation of their efforts.
Hogan says if re-elected, his party will also introduce legislation to establish standardized reimbursement and compensation guidelines to ensure that volunteer firefighters, search and rescue members and service organizations involved in large-scale designated emergencies receive fair compensation for their equipment, time and efforts.
He’s also promising to procure a heavy lift helicopter to ensure availability throughout the fire season, and to expedite training to increase the number Incident Commanders, fire behavior specialists, Operations Chiefs and Air Operations Directors.
Hogan is also vowing to provide funding to communities for the construction of permanent firebreaks, sprinkler systems and monitoring equipment for critical infrastructure, and more protective tools and equipment for volunteer fire departments.
He’s also promising to establish a new Provincial Meritorious Services Medal to honour volunteers and emergency services personnel for exceptional contributions during a crisis.
