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Former Wildfire Response Support Personnel Come Out Of Retirement To Help

Ontario is prioritizing the safety of the public and emergency responders, and the protection of communities and private property during this year’s busy fire season.

“We are doing everything we possibly can to ensure that people are safe and property is not affected, including seeking the help of highly skilled wildfire response support personnel who have retired,” said Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Jeff Yurek. “And we are engaging the services of former public servants without impacting their current pension entitlements under the Public Service Pension Plan and the OPSEU Pension Plan.”

“During my recent visit to Parry Sound with Premier Ford, I got to meet many teams that are working tirelessly to fight these wildfires, and I saw firsthand how tough the work can be. So, to the retired personnel who have agreed to help out this year, I extend my sincerest gratitude,” remarked Yurek.

In addition to enlisting the expertise of retired Ontario wildfire support staff, today in Ontario there are over 530 response personnel and specialized equipment from other jurisdictions and organizations including Parks Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, the United States and Mexico.

In the event that additional resources are required and other national partners are unable to assist, Ontario is prepared to seek more assistance from international partners.

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