Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns is calling on the federal government to formally recognize wildland and forest firefighters under Canada’s National Occupational Classification system.

Johns, who serves as the NDP Critic for Emergency Preparedness, tabled a motion in the House of Commons during Emergency Preparedness Week.

He says as wildfire emergencies grow more severe across Canada, it’s critical that the frontline workers responding to those threats receive proper recognition and support.

Wildland and forest firefighters currently remain excluded from the firefighter occupational category under the federal classification system, despite carrying out dangerous emergency response work including wildfire suppression, evacuations, and protecting communities and infrastructure.

Johns says those workers are doing the same frontline work as other firefighters but are being denied equal recognition and protections because of what he calls an outdated federal classification.

The NDP says the motion builds on previous efforts by Johns, including a petition urging the federal government to address what he describes as the misclassification of wildland firefighters and ensure they receive the same protections and benefits as other public safety workers.

It also notes that the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security unanimously supported action on the issue in April 2024 but says no corrective steps have been taken so far.

Johns’ motion calls on the federal government to recognize wildland and forest firefighters as firefighters under the National Occupational Classification system and to remove barriers preventing them from accessing the protections, recognition, and benefits available to other firefighters.

He says Canada is relying more heavily on wildland firefighters every year as wildfire risks intensify, and those workers deserve proper recognition now.

To see MP Johns present the petition to recognize the role of wildland and forest firefighters, visit Gord Johns Youtube.