Ontario forest firefighters face long-running retention and pay concerns

Ontario’s wildland firefighting program has faced staffing and compensation concerns for years, according to reports, internal memos, and union complaints. A 2016 report warned that forest firefighters were leaving in large numbers, had less experience than before, and were paid less than comparable workers. Similar warnings appeared again in 2018 and 2019, and an internal 2022 memo noted more employees were leaving for other jobs. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has argued for higher pay, reclassification of wildland firefighters, and more yearround positions. Critics say the province has not provided enough baseline funding to keep experienced staff, while the government says it adjusts spending as fire season needs change and points to recent budget and compensation increases.