The MPP for Mushkegowuk James Bay says the province’s decision to add forest firefighters to WSIB coverage is a good first step.
Guy Bourgouin says this will ensure the safety and well-being of those workers who risk their lives to protect the forests.
He adds that it will also be a big tool in the recruitment and retention of firefighters, but notes that the government must hire more to overcome a shortage.
“I intend to continue and hopefully we can get an answer similar to the Minister of Labour from the MNR because we need to be full teams when it comes to fire season,” he said. “We need full-time jobs because part-time jobs do not cut it. In today’s world there are so many jobs available.”
Bourgouin says now it’s important that the targets of 200 firefighting teams are met.
“Last year there was like 50 teams missing and this year the Minister seems to think that oh we’re fine, and we know we have to go internationally go to get help and help firefight and we need all the boots on the ground,” he said.
