Fire Fighting in Canada


Virtual Summits
FFIC Virtual Summit 2024
February 21, 2024 at 11:00am ET

The fire service is facing significant labour pressures. Diminishing volunteer numbers without a reduction in reliance, increasing call volume, rising costs, and a continued need to recruit high quality candidates…these are some of the most concerning issues facing leaders in Fire today, the same leaders who must consider the succession plan for their department. There are also personnel shortages in the wider circle of dependence, such as emergency vehicle technicians, that will have an impact on business continuity.

Recruitment, retention and succession planning are complex challenges that will require many levels of intervention, from grass roots to the federal government. Bringing together ideas from across Canada can generate new practices that help departments increase their performance in these vital arenas. The Fire Fighting in Canada 2024 Virtual Summit aims to serve as one of these platforms — a constructive online event for volunteer and career fire service leaders to gather, discuss and takeaway a nugget or two of new knowledge to address the cross-country issues of recruitment, retention and succession.

Schedule

ON DEMAND VIDEO
Strengthening Volunteer Engagement

Speaker: Shaminda Perera, MEd. - Knowledge, Practice and Learning Lead, Volunteer Canada

Across Canada the current trends in volunteerism are transforming how organizations looks at volunteer engagement. In this session, we will review a Volunteer Engagement Cycle (Plan, Engage, Support, Recognize) and discuss how we could strengthen volunteer engagement. Participants will be able to;
  • Describe the current state and trends of volunteerism in Canada
  • Identify the stages in the Volunteer Engagement Cycle to approach the function through a strategic lens
  • Identify effective methods for recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteers
Download PDF: Trends in Volunteerism and Action Steps for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

ON DEMAND VIDEO
Vector Solutions Sponsored Presentation: Managing Fire Department Training and Operational Readiness

Delivering and tracking training for annual mandates and re-certification requirements is challenging, especially when using paper, spreadsheets and filing cabinets. Find out why Vector Solutions is the most trusted platform for managing training and compliance tasks. We’ll provide a short overview of the Vector Suite, which includes the training management system, formerly known as TargetSolutions, as well as innovative solutions for truck and inventory checks and employee scheduling.

ON DEMAND VIDEO
10 Questions with Chief Eric Korhonen

Eric Korhonen is the director of emergency services and fire chief for North Frontenac, Ontario. Chief Korhonen is the 2018 recipient of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Award. FFIC editor Laura Aiken has 10 questions on how he is working to address the volunteer challenges he faces using community-based strategies. Tune in for great takeaways and a Q&A to follow for attendees.

ON DEMAND VIDEO
Nederman Sponsored Presentation: Creating Clean Air for Your Station – Effective Diesel Exhaust Removal Systems

12:35pm – 1:00pm
Break

ON DEMAND VIDEO
A Special Volunteer Vision Edition of Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast

FFIC’s Volunteer Vision column co-authors, (Ret.) Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy and Fire Chief Vince MacKenzie, bring you this special video edition of The Podcast that’s all about volunteer recruitment, retirement and succession. Core themes will address the census and a national perspective. 





Frequently Asked Questions About FFIC Virtual Summit 2024


When & Where?

FFIC Virtual Summit 2024 will take place virtually via Zoom Webinar on February 21, 2024 at 11:00am ET.

There will be a 15 minute break between live sessions.

Why Virtual?

The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, and community is our number one priority. By making this event an online experience, it eliminates the need for attendees and sponsors to travel in-person, while enabling them to still benefit from the event content.

What’s Included?

Your registration provides you with access to watch the virtual keynote, all live sessions, and on-demand recorded content and product demonstrations.

How do I access?

We will email you an access link to the virtual event the morning of February 21, 2024.

If you don’t see an access link in your email inbox, please check your junk folder. If you are still unable to locate the email, contact Tara Jacobs.