Once proclaimed, the FPPA will require that municipalities establish a program which must include public education with respect to fire safety and certain components of fire prevention, and provide other fire protection services that may be necessary in accordance with their needs and circumstances. The Fire Marshal may monitor and review the fire protection services provided by municipalities to ensure that municipalities have met their responsibilities under the Act. If the Fire Marshal is of the opinion that, as a result of a municipality failing to comply with its responsibilities, a serious threat to public safety exists in the municipality, he or she may make recommendations to the council. If a municipality fails to adhere to the recommendations made by the Fire Marshal, the minister may recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that a regulation be made. There is no change in local authority.
Municipalities continue to be responsible for the delivery of fire protection services.
It must be clearly understood that while there may be no need to operate a fire department, there is still a responsibility to provide public fire safety education and fire prevention programs. The Fire Marshal may monitor and review the fire protection services provided by the municipalities. Where necessary, the Fire Marshal may make recommendations to improve the delivery of fire protection services. Where a serious threat exists and a municipality fails to adhere to the recommendations made by the Fire Marshal, the minister may recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that a regulation be made. Upon the recommendations of the minister, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations establishing standards for fire protection services in municipalities and requiring municipalities to comply with the standards.