As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is increasing this year's Fire Protection Grant funding from $10 million to $20 million. The investment will help municipal fire departments expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve emergency response to lithium-ion battery related incidents.
"Firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our communities," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "That is why we're doubling this year's Fire Protection Grant, giving firefighters across the province the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life threatening emergencies."
The Fire Protection Grant is available to municipal fire departments for both new and existing initiatives. Eligible projects include:
- Equipment, supplies and personal protective equipment that enhance municipal cancer prevention initiatives
- Equipment and supplies for lithium-ion battery incident response
- Minor infrastructure upgrades and modernization, including enhanced broadband and internet connectivity
"This funding increase demonstrates the commitment to firefighter health and safety. The Fire Protection Grant allows municipalities to address their individual needs to support firefighters on the front lines by giving them the tools to protect themselves and do their jobs effectively," said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. "With the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires, this increased funding is another major step towards keeping Ontario's firefighters and communities safe and I encourage the fire service to apply."
Municipal fire departments can apply for funding starting August 13 until September 30, 2025. More information on eligibility and how to apply is available online through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
Quick Facts
- There are approximately 33,000 municipal firefighters in Ontario. This includes more than 12,500 full-time firefighters, more than 20,000 volunteer firefighters and almost 400 part-time firefighters.
- Firefighters are more likely to experience health problems because of exposure to hazardous chemicals. In Canada, 50 to 60 firefighters die of cancer every year and half of those are from Ontario.
- Ontario's Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 improved cancer coverage for firefighters, investigators, and volunteers by removing the requirement that a firefighter's primary-site colorectal diagnosis must be made before the age of 61 and lowering the required duration of service for primary-site kidney cancer care coverage from 20 to 10 years, which is the lowest duration of service in Canada.
Quotes
"Every day, firefighters protect Ontario families and communities, and our government is continuing to take bold action to protect these world-class first responders. By doubling the Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring municipal firefighters have access to the tools and equipment they need to stay safe in critical situations, when they are needed most."
- Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
"This funding support will strengthen our existing cancer prevention programs while enhancing emergency response capabilities for firefighters who protect our city. As health and safety risks continue to grow, particularly with emergency threats like lithium-ion batteries, this funding can provide additional tools and resources our firefighters need to stay safe while serving the residents of Toronto."
- Jim Jessop, Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services
"The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is deeply grateful to the provincial government for providing and increasing the Fire Protection Grant. Occupational cancers continue to be a leading cause of death, and this grant will enable fire departments to implement cancer prevention programs that reduce that risk. In addition, responses to lithium-ion battery incidents present new and emerging challenges, for which this grant will allow fire departments to invest in training and equipment to help mitigate the risks. Ontario's fire departments and firefighters greatly value our extremely positive relationship with the provincial government and thank them for this very important investment."
- Rob Grimwood, Deputy Fire Chief and President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
"Too many firefighters are impacted by occupational cancer every year, even though they wear their supplied gear and follow strict health and safety protocols. I commend the Ontario government for doubling its Fire Protection Grant initiative. This crucial funding will allow local departments to purchase specialized personal protective equipment and importantly, washing and drying equipment to properly decontaminate their bunker gear. This is a timely and significant announcement to share with firefighters and the communities they serve."
- Greg Horton, President, Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association
"This funding is important to municipal fire services across Ontario, but it's more than money it's a commitment to our safety, our health, and the communities we serve. For the members of the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association, it means greater access to the tools, training, and equipment that help us prevent cancer, manage new and emerging risks like lithium-ion battery fires, and come home safely to our families after every shift."
- Michael Smith, President, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters' Association