Question Period Note: Fire Safety

Our Government recognizes that Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by fire incidents that can have devastating impacts on families and communities.
We work with Indigenous partners on fire prevention, protection, education, and mitigation.
We are supporting the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada to engage Indigenous communities to better understand their fire protection needs, and to determine the scope and mandate of a future Indigenous Fire Marshal’s Office.
We will continue supporting community-led solutions and a whole of government approach to keep Indigenous communities safe.

On reserves, fire protection is managed by the First Nation band council. Indigenous Services Canada provides funding for fire protection every year as part of the First Nation's core capital funding.

The level of funding each First Nation receives for fire protection is determined through a regionally-based formula. It looks at several factors, including the number of buildings on the reserve, population, local environment and how close the reserve is to other communities.

First Nation band councils can use these funds to run their own fire departments or to contract fire protection services from nearby communities. If a First Nation decides to contract with a nearby community, it is the responsibility of the First Nation to manage that agreement. First Nations that contract with local municipalities may also have access to 9-1-1 services. First Nations may choose to use fire protection funding on other priorities.

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