Republished from the original letter to the Sounder News, November 5, 2025. (The government site link has been edited to reflect an internal relocation.)
The Chief's report in the agenda package for the December GFPID general meeting notes that he is "currently reviewing the BC Employer’s Grant."
To the Board of Trustees of the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District
I am writing to formally and urgently encourage the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD), as an improvement district, to pursue the B.C. Employer Training Grant (ETG) to fund essential firefighter training.
Despite multiple discussions with GVFD leadership over the past three years—including the former training officer, the current Fire Chief, and the Deputy Chief—the department has yet to submit an application. I firmly believe this grant is an accessible and significant opportunity that we must not overlook.
As a community member and owner of Avalon Energy Corp., where I have successfully secured similar grant funding, I understand the straightforward nature of the ETG application process.
The Case for Eligibility and Financial Impact
My correspondence with the ETG Team on April 3, 2023, confirmed a strong indication of eligibility: the grant may apply if participants are considered employed by the volunteer department (even on a call/part-time basis), provided the training leads to increased job security or a better role. This key clarification is critical to our successful application.
- Massive Financial Benefit: The ETG reimburses up to 80% of training costs, up to $10,000 per participant, and up to $300,000 annually per employer. Unlocking this funding represents a massive, immediate rise in our training budget.
- Training Alignment (Operational & Professional): Training must enhance job security or lead to better roles, such as promotions or full-time positions. This includes both operational skills (e.g., advanced emergency response) and professional development (e.g., HR management, leadership courses, and internal officer training). This perfectly aligns with the GVFD’s volunteer framework by professionalizing roles and supporting advancement.
Why the ETG is Essential for the GVFD
Pursuing the ETG would immediately provide the following benefits to our island:
- Improved Safety & Skills: Fund training to meet or exceed B.C.’s firefighter training standards, directly enhancing the skills and safety of our team.
- Job Security & Professionalization: Strengthen job security for our 38-member team through certified, high-quality training and formalized roles.
- Complementary Funding: Utilize the ETG to complement and leverage other sources, such as the Volunteer Fire Departments Equipment and Training grant.
- Stronger Community: Ensure community safety is built upon the foundation of better-prepared and highly certified firefighters.
Thank you for considering this critical matter. Acting now will equip our firefighters to serve Gabriola Island effectively and ensure we secure our fair share of available provincial funding.
Resource for the Community
This valuable training opportunity is available to all eligible B.C. businesses and organizations, including small businesses and self-employed individuals, seeking to upgrade employee skills. By highlighting the successful use of this grant by the GVFD, the entire community can be encouraged to leverage this funding source.
For complete program guidelines, application forms, and eligibility details, please visit the official B.C. Employer Training Grant website:
Sincerely,
Ryan St Pierre, Gabriola Resident and Owner, Avalon Energy Corp.