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Nova Scotia Cuts Funding to Firefighters School After Audit Uncovers Safety Failures

An interim steering committee is set to oversee fall training safeguards pending a full fire services review to shape long-term reforms.

Overview

  • A $300,000 money-for-value audit by consultant 21FSP exposed critical safety and governance lapses at the Waverley firefighters school.
  • The audit was commissioned after firefighter Skyler Blackie died in 2019 when a rusted extinguisher exploded during a certification exercise.
  • Minister of Emergency Management Kim Masland labelled the findings “appalling” and confirmed the province has severed its funding ties with the non-profit training facility.
  • Officials will appoint a steering committee in the coming weeks to develop and implement enhanced fall training protocols for all provincial firefighters.
  • A broader, comprehensive training model will be designed once an ongoing provincial fire services review delivers its recommendations.