Leadership from the Oshawa Professional Firefighters Association met with local Member of Parliament Rhonda Kirkland in Ottawa between April 19 and April 21, 2026, to discuss safety priorities affecting the community and their profession.
Association President Peter Dyson and Vice President Nathan Langille attended the 33rd International Association of Fire Fighters Canadian Legislative Conference. During the event, the Oshawa representatives spoke with Rhonda Kirkland, who was elected to represent the riding in 2025, about issues impacting local emergency services and fire safety.
A primary focus of the national conference was addressing the rise of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. Fire departments across the country have reported significant increases in these types of incidents in recent years. Additionally, the association advocated for stronger federal standards for airport firefighting and updates to the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders.
The Memorial Grant Program, which was launched in 2018 to support the families of fallen firefighters, has seen its value drop by roughly 25 percent due to inflation. The union is calling on the federal government to raise the benefit from $300,000 to $375,000 and to link future increases to the Consumer Price Index to maintain the program’s intended support levels.
The meetings in Ottawa occurred as local departments prepare for new provincial regulations. By July 1, 2026, all firefighters in Ontario must meet updated mandatory certification standards. Locally, Oshawa Fire Services manages six stations with approximately 192 front-line personnel, a team that also provides dispatch services for the entire Durham Region.