NORTH YORK, ON – August 13, 2025 – The Ontario government is doubling its annual Fire Protection Grant funding from $10 million to $20 million, in a move aimed at bolstering cancer prevention initiatives and improving municipal fire departments’ ability to respond to lithium-ion battery emergencies.
Announced by Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, the increased investment is part of the province’s broader strategy to protect Ontario’s communities and safeguard frontline emergency responders.
“Firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our communities,” Kerzner said. “That is why we’re doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, giving firefighters across the province the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life-threatening emergencies.”
Funding Priorities
The Fire Protection Grant is available to municipal fire departments for both new and existing initiatives. Eligible projects include:
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Equipment, supplies, and personal protective gear for cancer prevention
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Specialized tools and training for lithium-ion battery incident response
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Minor infrastructure upgrades and modernization, including enhanced broadband connectivity for emergency operations
Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg said the increased funding reflects a commitment to firefighter health and safety, particularly in addressing emerging hazards.
“With the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires, this increased funding is another major step towards keeping Ontario’s firefighters and communities safe and I encourage the fire service to apply,” Pegg said.
Application Details
Municipal fire departments can apply for funding between August 13 and September 30, 2025. Applications are processed through the province’s Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system.
A Growing Health Crisis
Cancer remains a leading cause of death among firefighters due to occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals. Across Canada, 50 to 60 firefighters die from cancer each year, with roughly half of those fatalities in Ontario.
The province has taken recent legislative steps to improve firefighter coverage. Under Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, the required service time for primary-site kidney cancer coverage was reduced from 20 to 10 years — the lowest threshold in Canada — and the age restriction for colorectal cancer diagnoses was removed.
Broad Support from Fire Leadership
The funding boost drew strong endorsements from fire service leaders and associations.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said the grant is part of a broader commitment to frontline safety.
“By doubling the Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring municipal firefighters have access to the tools and equipment they need to stay safe in critical situations, when they are needed most.”
Toronto Fire Chief and General Manager Jim Jessop highlighted the funding’s role in strengthening cancer prevention programs and enhancing emergency readiness.
“As health and safety risks continue to grow, particularly with emergency threats like lithium-ion batteries, this funding can provide additional tools and resources our firefighters need to stay safe while serving the residents of Toronto.”
Rob Grimwood, President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, said the grant addresses both ongoing and emerging risks.
“Occupational cancers continue to be a leading cause of death, and this grant will enable fire departments to implement cancer prevention programs that reduce that risk. In addition, responses to lithium-ion battery incidents present new and emerging challenges.”
Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association President Greg Horton noted the practical benefits for day-to-day operations.
“This crucial funding will allow local departments to purchase specialized personal protective equipment and importantly, washing and drying equipment to properly decontaminate their bunker gear.”
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association President Michael Smith emphasized that the investment is both financial and symbolic.
“It’s more than money — it’s a commitment to our safety, our health, and the communities we serve.”
By the Numbers
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33,000 municipal firefighters in Ontario, including more than 12,500 full-time, 20,000 volunteer, and 400 part-time
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50–60 firefighter cancer deaths annually in Canada, with roughly half from Ontario
The province is encouraging all eligible municipal fire departments to apply for the grant before the September 30 deadline.