Ongoing Meaford trial raises concerns over safety and funding

The ongoing trial in Meaford, Ontario is certain to have long lasting and far reaching implications for the Fire Service in Ontario.  Defence lawyer Norm Keith correctly states that "... it has created the potential for a “war” between the Labour Ministry and fire departments, who normally collaborate on drawing up safety guidelines.".  His statement about volunteer recruitment also affects retention.  “It will have the potential of a tremendously strong chilling effect on volunteers. They might just not want to be a volunteer anymore.”  Keith states.

Prosecution is not doubt a very drastic step when dealing with the Ministry of Labour.  Chief Molloy expresses concerns that, "incident commanders are worried about possible litigation, is that going to make them second-guess their rescue decision?".  From recent personal experience, I have heard those types of questions around a couple of fire halls.

These are concerns about the long range effects of the Meaford trial.  What we cannot lose sight of, are the short term effects.  The Fire Service has worked long and hard, from within it's own ranks, to improve the safety of it's members.   Remember?  Everybody goes home.  The charges; Accountability Setup, Establishing A Command Post, and Establishing RIT, speak to basic IC training.

What this whole incident illustrates is that the expectation of the Fire Service's competency is the same regardless of whether it is a full time or part time, paid or volunteer department.  We must continue to train and strive toward Section 21 guidelines.

While one aspect of the Meaford trial is to determine if guidelines can be treated as legally enforceable regulations, another is to send a wake up call about funding.

Chief Beebe, of Upsala, Ontario hits the nail on the head. "What [the trial] does highlight, is the need for the federal and provincial governments to help smaller municipalities and their departments achieve compliance with safety standards." Chief Bebee states.   Chief Bebee's blog

This is so true.  I hope Chief Molloy comes out of this without any convictions.  I also see a slight positive from this whole exercise.  That is notifying all levels of government that funding action is needed to ensure that firefighters can do their job in the most safe manner possible.

Owen Sound Times
December 15, 2011

Kitchener Record
December 18, 2011

One last thought.....

While I am concerned about the confrontational atmosphere being created between the Ministry of Labour and the Fire Service, I am more concerned with Office of the Fire Marshall's recent attitude change.

Is the Fire Service being abandoned by everyone?  Why are Provincial Government agencies no longer offering positive assistance in safety and legislative compliance?

There has been a shift to negative, punitive enforcement.  All the more reason to demand the resources that are necessary to meet the restrictions and regulations that the Fire Service is placed under.

We've been given the tools, now give us the resources to use them.