About FFAO
Our History
We have a proud history that dates back to August 29, 1899, when the inaugural meeting of The Volunteer Fireman’s Association of Ontario was held in Toronto, Ontario. This was the beginning of our Association.
Changes came on August 2, 1909 in Paris, Ontario, when membership to our organization was made available to all Volunteer, Fully Paid, Partly Paid, Exempt and Veteran Fire Fighters. With an increased membership status, we adopted the new name of The Fireman’s Association of Ontario.
On July 23, 1910, Letters of Patent were granted to the Association. On August 2, 1910, the first Constitution and Bylaws were adopted at a meeting in Welland, Ontario.
By 1963, to reflect the changes in the membership and the occupation itself, it was determined that the term “firemen” no longer conveyed a true representation of the membership. That year, we adopted the name, The Fire Fighters’ Association of Ontario (FFAO).
Times Change
Over the years, quarterly meetings for The Fire Fighters’ Association of Ontario evolved from meetings strictly for the executive into agendas that involve welcoming delegates, Life Members and visitors from across the province. Our Annual General Meeting and Convention is held annually on the first weekend in August.
Our organization has evolved with the times, but our mandate remains clear. The FFAO executive and its members have played, and will continue to play a leading role on provincial committees dealing with equipment standards, occupational health and safety, firefighter training, and government legislation. The FFAO offers a united voice for all firefighters across Ontario.
Constitution
We are governed by the Constitution and Bylaws of The Fire Fighters’ Association of Ontario, most recently updated in July 2019.
As we approach the FFAO Quarterly Meetings, we encourage our members to become familiar with the Constitution and Bylaws the govern our association. Prior to each meeting, we will provide the details of all proposed changes and motions pertaining to this document. Following each meeting, we will make the changes public, so everyone is aware of the progress.
At each of our quarterly meetings, the FFAO executive/membership has the option to put forth motions for changes to our constitution or by-laws. Use this form.
Code of Conduct
The FFAO and its Members must, at all times, comply with all applicable laws and regulations as detailed in the FFAO Code of Conduct.
Strategic Goals
Organize effective meetings and annual conferences:
- Survey our members to gauge their preferences/ideas and pilot test a new format based on the results
- Form an ad hoc committee to design a modern format for meetings and annual convention. Executive participation.
- Involve the membership in meeting and conference agendas, based on survey results
Enhance partnerships and liaison with key organizations:
- Partner with the Ontario Fire College to provide regular training opportunities
- Partner with the Office of the Fire Marshal to continue to promote the activities of the FFAO
- Host an information event day for local MPPs
Broaden the recognition of the FFAO:
- Provide representation on behalf of volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire services through participation on committees and technical boards in regards to changes in legislation, regulations, laws and certification
- Providing a network opportunity for volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire services to share resources and information to improve the safety to volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire services,municipalities and industry, to improve the quality of service to their communities