Hello AFCA Members!
A quick update, since the second call for nominations yesterday, there have been no new nominations for the President position. Please consider this message as the third and final call for nominations.
Nominations can be sent to executivedirector@afcastaging.ca
Stay tuned for updates!
Thank you!
Hello AFCA Members:
We had a nomination! Chief David Sturgeon Fire Chief, SCO, Director of Emergency Management, Strathmore Fire Department, nominated Chief Drayton Bussiere of Red Deer County for the position of AFCA President, in conferring with Chief Bussiere he has respectfully declined.
Hello AFCA Members:
We are about to embark on our 2024 Electronic Vote process for expiring AFCA Board positions. Starting off with the AFCA President. This is the 1st call for nominations for AFCA President!
The President of the AFCA plays a crucial role in representing the interests and vision for the leadership of the Alberta Fire Service. As official spokesperson for our collective membership, representing the Association to external agencies and interests, facilitating partnerships, advocating for our mission and strategic objectives. As head of the AFCA Board, ensures a collaborative and productive environment, overseeing and directing the Association's affairs, which are essential for the operation and advancement of the Association.
AFCA President Eligibility Criteria:
Per AFCA Bylaws:
Kicking off, nominated as of moments ago, current AFCA President, Chief, Randy Schroeder, County Fire Chief, Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services and Fire Chief, Town of Mayerthorpe has been nominated by Chief, David Mohl, Hanna Fire Department. Chief Schroeder has allowed his name to stand for another term.
Additional nominations must be submitted by Friday April 12th, to executivedirector@afcastaging.ca. Late submissions will not be considered. Should more nominations be received, an electronic vote will commence on April 15th. You must be an Active AFCA Member in order to participate in this electronic vote. A voting link will be sent directly to AFCA members eligible to vote.
Follow along! Updates of the 2024 Elections will be shared via email, posted on our website Announcements, and in our Chiefs Chat Forum!
AFCA would also like to take this opportunity to thank 2024 Election scrutineers: Life Member and former AFCA Executive Director, Bill Purdy, Life Member and former AFCA President, Brian McEvoy, Life Member, and AFCA contributor in many forms, AFCA Committees, Master of Ceremonies, Sergeant of Arms, Brad Straty.
Alberta Fire Chiefs Association
Professionals Serving Professionals
Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) Response to Minister Loewen's Media Statement of February 20, 2024
The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) Board of Directors, following a board meeting on February 21, 2024, wishes to reserve further comments until the provincial budget is presented. For the interim, we offer this statement:
We are encouraged with Minister Loewen's announcement regarding the government's plans to enhance wildfire prevention measures and increase the capacity for fighting wildfires, acknowledging the anticipation of another challenging year for Alberta in terms of wildfire activity. The AFCA is particularly encouraged by Minister Loewen's commitment to further collaboration with our association and eagerly anticipates the dialogue to advance our shared objectives.
While we share the Minister's aspirations, the absence of specific financial commitments in the Minister's statement raises concerns about the adequacy of funding for these essential wildfire preparedness and response initiatives. While we understand the budgetary process's constraints, transparent and timely communication regarding funding allocations will be crucial for strategic planning and effective implementation of these measures.
The AFCA underscores the importance of cross-ministerial cooperation, as highlighted by the involvement of multiple ministries including Municipal Affairs, Forestry and Parks, Public Safety, and Emergency Services. We advocate for the establishment of a multi-ministry Provincial Fire Service Advisory Committee to foster a holistic and coordinated approach to wildfire management and emergency services in Alberta.
We are pleased to hear of the Ministers’ commitment to improve and enhance the FireSmart program and its potential to mitigate wildfire risks; however, we express concern over the lack of specifics regarding the extent of support and resources that will be allocated to this critical initiative. Compared to similar programs in other provinces, Alberta's FireSmart program requires significant expansion and resource allocation to meet the province's unique needs effectively.
Finally, Minister Loewen's announcement of 900 wildfire firefighters by April 15th is a step in the right direction; however, we are apprehensive that this may not suffice or be soon enough. In the event of a major fire threatening a community outside of the forested protected area it leaves it up to the municipalities solely seek out and carry the financial burden of additional contractors, or pulling resources from neighboring municipalities, which jeopardizes the assisting community’s ability to be ready for their own emergency events.
The AFCA remains dedicated to working alongside the government and our partners to enhance Alberta's wildfire preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Albertans.
Alberta Fire Chiefs Association
Board of Directors
Edmonton, Alberta – January 31, 2024
Dear Honourable Members of the Alberta Government,
With the current dry winter Alberta is experiencing, the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) expresses significant concern regarding the potential for a wildfire season mirroring last year's devastating events. Alberta has faced an unprecedented wildfire season in 2023, with over 2.5 million hectares of land burned. These wildfires are occurring with greater frequency, intensity, and duration across more expansive areas than in the past. In light of these concerns and environmental projection models the AFCA is urgently calling for disclosure of the provinces’ wildfire preparedness strategy.
Combatting last year's wildfire season in Alberta brought forth considerable challenges, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to wildfire management. The AFCA has met with key Ministries presenting specific asks including additional resources, increased training capacity, equipment, aerials and requesting for the establishment of a Provincial Fire Services Advisory Committee to assist in developing a dedicated provincial strategy to better manage and mitigate the risks associated with wildfire seasons.
The AFCA emphasized with government that reliance on municipalities to financially backstop wildland fire response is not sustainable. With or without federal funding, the AFCA is inquiring about the allocation of additional resources towards wildfire management. There is a growing concern among Fire Chiefs across the province of the lack of communication of what the plan is, allocation of funds compared to previous years and plan for the recruitment and deployment of firefighters and equipment.
The AFCA emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns before the onset of the wildfire season. It is imperative to have a clear, well-resourced, and collaborative strategy that involves all levels of government to effectively manage and mitigate the risks of wildfires in Alberta.
We remain committed to working alongside provincial authorities, municipalities, and federal agencies to safeguard our communities. We eagerly await a detailed response and action plan that addresses these critical concerns.
