Fire safety – Members of the UMQ Central Cities Caucus plead for better services at the best costs

The Caucus of Central Cities of the Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ) met on November 22 in Quebec in the presence of the Minister of Public Security (MSP), Mr. François Bonnardel. This caucus brings together around sixty urban municipalities located in rural areas of Quebec. These cities are distinguished by their central role in their region, offering services to neighboring municipalities and acting as poles of socio-economic development.

Fire safety reform in Quebec

During this meeting, the Caucus welcomed the government’s intention to review the structure of fire services in order to ensure equitable and quality services for all citizens of Quebec.

The members of the Caucus pleaded so that central cities, which have the necessary resources, can assume full responsibility for fire services on their territory and offer them to interested neighboring municipalities. They also insisted on the importance of adjusting financial aid programs, which currently disadvantage central cities.

“Central cities are ready to play a key role in providing their citizens with quality fire safety services, while exploring innovative solutions to reduce costs. We want efficient, accessible and cost-effective services. Thank you to Minister Bonnardel for his presence and his listening to our proposals today. » underlined Mathieu Lapointe, president of the UMQ Centrality Cities Caucus and mayor of Carleton-sur-Mer.