Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association

10/27/2026

The Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) is proud to attend the Indigenous Public Safety Conference in Saskatoon.

In partnership with the NIFSC - National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, the CVFSA helped develop the Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit Fire Service Award. A unified national standard honoring firefighters who have dedicated 10 or more years of service to their communities. As part of this vital partnership, the CVFSA manages the program and serves as the point of contact for Indigenous communities across Canada wishing to participate and recognize their local Indigenous Fire Service responders.

09/30/2026

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) joins communities across the country in honoring the Children who never came home, the Survivors of residential schools, and their families.

As fire service members, our core mission is protecting lives and serving our communities. True service requires listening, learning, and walking the path of reconciliation together. We are deeply grateful for our ongoing working relationship with the NIFSC - National Indigenous Fire Safety Council as we work collaboratively for all departments and communities across Canada.

Today, and every day, we encourage our members and the wider fire service family to wear orange, listen to Indigenous voices, and reflect on how we can contribute to meaningful change.

09/15/2026

The CVFSA Board of Directors was honoured to be in Ottawa last weekend for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) Memorial Weekend. It was a privilege to stand alongside members of the Canadian fire service community, families, and supporters from across the country to remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

A special thank you to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF), Honourary Host, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services, and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organize and support this year's event. Your dedication, commitment, and hard work made this meaningful weekend possible.

09/13/2026

Brampton Fire and Emergency Services did an excellent job as honorary hosts of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend in Ottawa!

09/12/2026

The Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association is proud to support the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation and to stand alongside the Canadian fire service community in Ottawa during the CFFF Memorial Weekend.

This special weekend is a time to honour and remember the brave firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. We join families, friends, and colleagues from across Canada in paying tribute to their courage, dedication, and legacy.

We will remember them.

09/11/2026

Quarter of a century ago, the world changed forever. On September 11, 2001, 343 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in New York City, demonstrating the depth of dedication that defines the fire service.

Today, on the 25th anniversary, the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association remembers the innocent lives lost, the brave first responders who ran toward danger, and the countless individuals who faced long-term illness in the years following.

We also reflect on the brotherhood and solidarity shown across Canada—from our volunteer fire departments welcoming diverted flights and stranded passengers, to those who stood ready to support our neighbors to the south.

To every firefighter who continues to answer the call in communities big and small across Canada: today we honor the spirit of service, sacrifice, and duty. We will never forget.

08/17/2026

The Lifetime Achievement Award deadline has been extended to Wednesday, September 30, 2026! Please check out www.cvfsa.ca or email mark.p@cvfsa for more details!

07/24/2026

Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association News Release
July 24, 2026

2026 Jim Hayter Memorial Scholarship©
Shamus Goreham - Recipient of the 2026 Jim Hayter Memorial Scholarship©

The Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) and Metalfab Fire Trucks is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Jim Hayter Memorial Scholarship is Shamus Goreham of Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia.
Established in 2017 to honor the late Jim Hayter, a charter member of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA). Chief Hayter was also a firefighter with the Alvinston, Ontario Fire Department for 44 years, 15 of which he served as Fire Chief. In addition to his dedication to the Fire Services, Chief Hayter was extremely active in the community including serving as Deputy Mayor.
Shamus will be attending NSCC Lunenburg Campus in September. Shamus will be taking the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program.

07/24/2026

Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association News Release
July 24, 2026

2026 Graham Pawlett Memorial Scholarship©
Amelia Maynard - Recipient of the 2026 Graham Pawlett Memorial Scholarship©

The Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the inaugural 2026 Graham Pawlett Memorial Scholarship is Amelia Maynard of Hantsport, Nova Scotia.
Established in 2025 to honour the late Graham Pawlett, one of the earliest board members of the CVFSA. Graham’s 12 years of dedication to the CVFSA by volunteering his time, professionalism and expertise will never be forgotten.
Amelia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Amelia’s father, Paul Maynard is Deputy Chief of the Hantsport Fire Department in Nova Scotia. Deputy Chief Maynard was honoured to present the scholarship on behalf of
the CVFSA.

06/08/2026