International Fire & Safety Journal
Jill Dunlop has announced that Matthew Pegg will become Ontario’s deputy minister of emergency preparedness and response.
Pegg retired as Toronto’s fire chief in 2024 after more than three decades in fire and emergency services.
Since leaving Toronto Fire Services, Pegg has served as chief operating officer of Warrior Health, providing mental health support for public safety personnel.
Dunlop made the announcement in a LinkedIn post, congratulating Pegg on his appointment and confirming his start date of 6 October.
She also acknowledged the work of acting deputy minister Eric Everett and deputy minister Bernie Derible in their respective roles with the ministry.
Minister praises Pegg’s emergency leadership record
Dunlop said: “I’m pleased to congratulate Matthew Pegg on his appointment as Ontario’s new Deputy Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response!”
She added: “Matthew brings a wealth of experience in emergency management leadership — from serving as Toronto’s Incident Commander during the pandemic to leading Toronto Fire Services as Chief.”
She continued: “I also want to thank Acting Deputy Minister Eric Everett and Deputy Minister Bernie Derible for their dedication, and the tremendous work they have put towards the ministry in their respective roles. Your leadership has been invaluable.”
She concluded: “Welcome aboard, Matthew — I look forward to working together to create a safe and prepared Ontario.”
Pegg outlines plans to begin in October
Pegg said: “Thank you Minister Jill Dunlop! I am excited to join this team on October 6, and to work with you on advancing emergency preparedness and response in Ontario.”
His new role will involve leading the ministry’s emergency preparedness and response operations across the province.
According to the province, Pegg’s responsibilities will include strategic planning, coordination of incident response, and interagency collaboration.
Career in Toronto fire and emergency management
According to Warrior Health, Pegg joined the organisation as chief operating officer in November 2024 following a 32-year career as a firefighter and fire chief.
From 2016 to 2024, Pegg led Toronto Fire Services, which is the largest in Canada and among the largest in North America, with over 3,250 career staff responding to more than 184,000 emergency incidents annually.
Between March 2020 and April 2022, Pegg served as the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 Incident Commander.
He oversaw one of the most complex incident management systems in North America, including the city’s longest continuous Emergency Operations Centre deployment.
He also led Toronto’s COVID-19 Immunization Task Force and developed the provincial playbook for vaccine clinic operations.
Previous roles and qualifications
Prior to his appointment as fire chief in Toronto, Pegg was deputy fire chief in Toronto, Brampton, Ajax and Georgina.
He is a licensed mechanic and commercial pilot, having worked in both industries.
Pegg holds qualifications from Dalhousie University in Leadership and Administration, Queen’s University in Labour Relations, and the Schulich School of Business in Public Management.
He has received the Heroism and Community Service Medal, Ontario Medal of Firefighter’s Bravery, Canadian Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal and Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal.
Work in mental health support
According to Warrior Health, Pegg is an advocate for mental health in the public safety sector.
He has worked to reduce stigma around seeking professional help for resilience and wellbeing.
In his current role, he leads a consortium delivering resilience and mental health resources, training and support for public safety personnel across Ontario.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The appointment places an experienced fire service leader at the head of Ontario’s emergency preparedness and response ministry.
Pegg’s background in incident command and operational leadership during the pandemic provides direct insight into large-scale emergency coordination.
His experience in mental health advocacy and support for public safety personnel aligns with increasing attention to firefighter and responder wellbeing.
This leadership change may influence provincial emergency response strategies, interagency coordination and resource planning.
Ontario appoints Matthew Pegg as deputy minister of emergency preparedness: Summary
Jill Dunlop has announced the appointment of Matthew Pegg as Ontario’s deputy minister of emergency preparedness and response.
Pegg will begin his new role on 6 October 2025.
He retired as Toronto’s fire chief in 2024 after more than 32 years in the fire service.
Since then, he has served as chief operating officer at Warrior Health.
Dunlop highlighted his leadership as Toronto’s COVID-19 Incident Commander.
She also thanked acting deputy minister Eric Everett and deputy minister Bernie Derible for their service.
Pegg previously held deputy fire chief roles in multiple Ontario municipalities.
He is a licensed mechanic and commercial pilot.
He holds qualifications from Dalhousie University, Queen’s University and the Schulich School of Business.
Pegg has received multiple bravery and service medals.
He is known for advocacy on mental health in public safety.
Warrior Health provides resilience and mental health resources for public safety personnel.