December 8, 2023 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
As climate change continues to impact the frequency, intensity and severity of wildfires in many provinces and territories, the Government of Canada is continuing to support Canadians now while strengthening Canada's preparedness for years to come. Investments that support wildland fire training initiatives increase the capacity for fire management across Canada.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced the launch of the Fighting and Managing Wildfire in a Changing Climate Program - Training Fund (FMWCC) call for applications. Under this program, the Government of Canada will provide funding to train 1,000 firefighters to help reduce the risks of wildfires and support community-based capacity to mitigate, prepare and respond to wildfires on an ongoing basis.
A two-year pilot phase, starting in 2022-23, has informed the design of this 2023 Wildfire Training Fund Call for Applications to support projects through the end of the program in 2027.
Funding is available for projects in the following three streams:
Wildland Firefighter Training at the Type I, II, III levels;
Community Wildfire Protection Training to develop and implement community-based wildfire prevention and fire management activities; and
Youth Wildfire Training to develop future cohorts of wildland firefighters and professionals.
The Call prioritizes Indigenous applicants and projects that demonstrate the benefit to Indigenous communities, which face disproportionate climate impacts relating to wildfires. It will also take into consideration the three streams, a distinction-based approach, national distribution and support diversity and the inclusion of underrepresented groups (e.g., women, racialized groups and Indigenous groups).
Applications for the 2023 Wildfire Training Fund Call for Applications will be accepted from December 8, 2023, until February 1, 2024, and are open to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, groups and communities, Canadian academic institutions, provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies.
Virtual information sessions will be held on December 14, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET in French and 1 p.m. ET in English. These sessions will provide an opportunity for interested applicants to pose questions about the application requirements and process.
Keeping Canadians safe and healthy is a top priority for the Government of Canada. By working together with provinces, territories and Indigenous communities, we continue to address wildfires while protecting homes, livelihoods and lives.
