Newfoundland and Labrador's volunteer fire departments are woefully resourced, Liberal Leader Gerry Reid says.
During weekend campaigning for the Oct. 9 election, Reid said a Liberal government would provide an annual grant of $5,000 to each volunteer fire department.
"That hasn't been done in the past," Reid said during a stop in Buchans.
"The only funding that these individuals get, comes from events that they do themselves to raise money on a volunteer basis."
Keith Higdon, the assistant fire chief in Buchans, said such a grant would equal one-fourth of his department's entire budget.
"Five thousand dollars ain't going to get you a lot, but when you're in a little, tiny volunteer fire department with only 20-odd members — $5,000 to us is a lot of money," he said.
Higdon said the department would use the money to replace aging equipment, including old boots and hats.
Related
| Party | Elected | Leading | Total | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC | 43 | 0 | 43 | 69.56% |
| LIB | 3 | 0 | 3 | 21.98% |
| NDP | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8.21% |
| OTH | 0 | 0 | 0 | .25% |
| Last Update:October 9, 10:58:12 PM NDT | ||||
| Unofficial results were updated at the time shown. For more recent results, visit Elections NL. The CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites. External links will open in a new window. |
NL Votes 2007 »
- Williams faces daunting task of managing expectations
- Handed one of the most commanding mandates in Newfoundland and Labrador's history, Premier Danny Williams says he expects to face a cascade of requests for help during his second term.
- Former minister calls Liberal collapse 'catastrophic'
- Able to put their combined caucuses around a single card table, Newfoundland and Labrador's opposition parties are grappling with what life will be like in the shadow of a massive Tory majority.
- Efford keeping keen eye on Liberal leadership
- Former cabinet minister John Efford didn't hesitate Wednesday to indicate he is more than interested in taking over the reins of Newfoundland and Labrador's bedraggled Liberals.
- Williams leads Tory landslide in N.L.
- Danny Williams and his Progressive Conservatives were swept back into office Tuesday night by a massive lead over their political opponents.
- Heartbreak for Liberals as Grit vote collapses
- Newfoundland and Labrador's Liberals were overwhelmed Tuesday night, as a Tory wave of support claimed districts that had long been in the Grit camp.