Nova Scotia bill sets long-awaited provincial fire standards.

The Support for Fire Protection Services Act would establish provincewide standards for fire services in Nova Scotia and create an Office of the Fire Commissioner, and the 2026–27 budget includes $3 million for fire-service improvements.

Emergency Management Minister Kim Masland tabled the Support for Fire Protection Services Act on the first day of Nova Scotia's spring legislative session, proposing provincewide standards and new oversight for fire services. The bill would allow the provincial department to set standards for fire departments, training and personal protective equipment and create an Office of the Fire Commissioner. It is presented as a response to long-standing calls from firefighters and follows consultation and reviews of the province's fire services. The government says standards would be phased in over three years and that the province will provide resources to support local departments. Key details: - The bill was introduced by Minister Kim Masland and is titled the Support for Fire Protection Services Act. - It would enable provincial oversight, set standards for departments, training and personal protective equipment, and create an Office of the Fire Commissioner. - Municipalities would be required to conduct local reviews to identify community needs and could receive provincial support to transition to municipal models. - The province says standards will roll out over three years and the 2026–27 budget includes $3 million for fire-service improvements. - The legislation follows consultations with more than 700 fire chiefs, coordinators and municipal leaders and a review by the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia. Summary: If enacted, the bill would move Nova Scotia from a patchwork of locally set expectations to provincewide standards intended to improve training, equipment and coordination. The proposal includes resources for local training delivery, a common records management system and measures related to mental health support, recruitment and mutual aid. Undetermined at this time.